Depending on the patient's needs, hospice services can be provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Physicians and nurses address the patient's physical needs by controlling pain and managing symptoms. Hospice nurses make regularly scheduled visits keeping the primary care physician informed of the patient's condition. Social workers and therapists are available to provide support and counseling to family members and patients. Volunteers are available to read to patients, assist with personal care, run errands, help with light housework, and relieve caregivers for short periods of time.
Spiritual leaders offer spiritual counseling and support to patients and their families.
Because religious beliefs differ from person to person, spiritual care is personalized to meet each individual's needs. Typically, hospice organizations have a number of spiritual leaders with different religious backgrounds who are available to offer counseling and support to patients and family members. Many people prefer to receive spiritual counseling from their own pastor, minister, or rabbi. A hospice nurse or social worker can arrange this. A good time to discuss hospice is when you and your physician are talking about your treatment options.