Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can we expect from the Beacon Hospice Staff?

Our interdisciplinary team is made up of very experienced health care professionals and volunteers. Each is highly skilled and specially trained to meet the needs of the terminally ill and their families.

The team is headed by our hospice Medical Directors who, together with the patient, his/her family and primary physician, determines the patient's eligibility for hospice. The Medical Director consults with the patient's primary physician and the interdisciplinary team to develop the patient Plan of Care. With the help of the hospice team, the Medical Director also monitors the patient's condition and prescribes palliative medications as needed to ensure that the patient is comfortable.

Our Nurses make regularly scheduled visits to the patient to provide expert pain management and symptom control care. The Case Manager provides training and counseling to the primary caregivers and patient so that care is provided properly and safely. The Case Manager also keeps the primary physician and our Medical Director informed about the patient's condition. Support from our Nurses is available, as needed, on a 24/7/365 basis.

Social workers provide assistance with practical and financial concerns as well as emotional support, counseling and bereavement follow-up. They evaluate the need for volunteers and other support services needed by the family and facilitate communication between the family and community agencies.

Chaplains provide non-denominational spiritual support to patients and families, often serving as a liaison between them and their religious community. They offer support services ranging from crisis help to private and group grief support. Chaplains also often assist with memorial services and funeral arrangements.

Our Certified Nursing Aides function as home health aides, providing personal care and assistance with activities of daily living, feeding and bathing and hands-on care. They also perform limited household services to maintain a safe and sanitary environment in the areas of the home used by the patient.

Trained volunteers provide a number of important services. Volunteers offer direct patient support, companionship and practical, caring help. Volunteers can assist the primary caregivers by sitting with the patient to provide the caregivers respite from the sometimes overwhelming task of providing around the clock care for a loved one. Volunteers may also provide non-direct patient support by assisting the agency in its office and clerical work.

Finally, the most important thing you can expect from the Beacon Hospice staff is a passionate belief in, and adherence to, our philosophy of excellence in end-of-life care.