Hospice Information

Hospice is a concept of supportive care which is an option for terminally ill patients and their families. It focuses on quality of life when the length of life cannot be extended. OCMC Hospice’s primary goal is to provide the patient and patient’s loved ones with supportive and loving care so that the patient may remain active and in the familiar and comfortable surroundings of home. Hospice offers physical (pain control), emotional, spiritual and social support services as needed. Hospice does not hasten or prolong death.

Hospice care involves a team approach to individualized care. Our team includes nurses, home health aides, physicians, therapists, social workers, clergy and volunteers; all of whom have been trained in the special skills needed to work with the terminally ill and their families. The team meets regularly in order to plan and provide the best care possible for each individual patient and family.

Hospice services

Medical Director that is certified in Hospice and Palliative Care to oversee individual patient plan of care and symptom management and also consults with your primary care physician.

Nurses focus on individualized physical assessment and care of the patient. Hospice nurses teach family members how to care for the patient and coordinate the care under the direction of the patient’s physician. Hospice care does not provide private duty nursing service. Home health aides are available for regularly scheduled visits.

Trained volunteers provide continuing service with attention and friendship. The patient’s and family’s needs determine the range of services offered, these can include but are not limited to running errands, relieving caregivers or simply just being there to listen. Volunteers are a vital part of the program. New volunteers are always needed.

Our social worker advocates for patient and families in making healthcare decisions based on patient personal goals of care and assist with local agencies//community resources to help meet the needs of our patient and families. The social worker identifies emotional/spiritual needs of patient and family and provides bereavement care during the year following their loved one’s death.

Hospice eligibility

Patients may be referred to hospice by physicians, families, friends, hospital discharge planners and other community agencies. A patient may be admitted to the hospice program with the consent and participation of the patient’s primary care physician. The patient must have a life expectancy of 6 months or less if the disease runs its normal course. The patient has acknowledged the terminal condition and desires to pursue palliative treatment to manage symptoms rather than curative treatment. Services may be provided in private homes, assisted living facilities or long term care facilities.

For more information or to make a referral please call us at (870) 836-6055 or toll free at (877) 836-2472.