The hospice team includes:-
Hospice Physician who oversees the medical care
Registered Nurse who visits to assess, teach and provide care
Social Worker who provides psycho-social support and coordinates other resources
Certified Nursing Assistant/Hospice Aide who can assist with personal care and activities of daily living
Chaplain or spiritual counselor if desired
Hospice Volunteers if desired
Grief counselors when needed
Dietary counseling, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy may be provided in some cases
The hospice interdisciplinary team also includes the patient and family who are involved in directing the care they want. When hospice care begins, a plan of care is established. This plan is updated regularly based on the patient and family’s changing needs. This plan includes scheduled visits, medications and durable medical equipment and any therapy that is needed. It may include a certified nursing assistant to help with bathing and personal care; chaplain visits or counseling; volunteer support; and complementary therapy, such as massage, music or pet therapy. Each plan of care is individualized, but must include regular visits from the registered nurse who becomes the case manager.
There are different levels of care in hospice outlined in Services