Services
Hospice Services
Hospice of North Iowa is committed to providing care to those who are in
need of the service, regardless of age, diagnosis, race, sex, religion, national
origin or ability to pay.
The following services are available to all Hospice of North Iowa patients:
- A Hospice Medical Director is responsible for
determining if patients are eligible for hospice. He serves as medical
consultant to the hospice interdisciplinary team on the patient's
behalf, providing expertise in pain and symptom management.
- A Hospice Nurse meets with the patient and family
at the time of admission to determine individual care needs. Following
physician's orders, the nurse provides care according to the plan
established by the hospice interdisciplinary team. Patient and family
wishes are respected. Nursing visits are scheduled on a regular basis,
but vary in frequency and length according to the physical and emotional
needs of the patient.
- On-Call Nursing Services are available 24 hours
a day, including weekends. There is always a nurse available to provide
consultation over the telephone or to make a home visit.
- A Social Worker meets with each patient and family
to assess how hospice might provide more complete care for the family.
Physical illness is often accompanied by anxiety related to concerns
about the impact of the illness on the patient and family. The social
worker can assist the patient and family with the overall adjustment
to these concerns, as well as provide assistance with accessing other
community resources. The level of social work involvement is determined
by the patient and family.
- A Chaplain is available to provide spiritual counseling,
at the request of the patient or family. The chaplain does not replace
an individual's own faith leader, but is available to provide guidance
and support in keeping with the family's beliefs.
- A Home Care Aide is available to provide personal
care and light household duties, as ordered by the interdisciplinary
team.
- Trained Volunteers provide support, companionship
and friendship to the patient and family. They may assist with running
errands, transportation to appointments, or staying with a loved
one while the caregiver is away.
- Acute Care for pain and symptom management is
available at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient
Unit. Professional staff will provide careful monitoring and
continuity of hospice care.
- Respite care of caregiver relief may also be provided.
- Final care for those who are unable to remain
at home during the last days of life is provided at the Muse Norris
Inpatient Unit. The Unit provides an environment for a dignified
and comfortable death.
- Arrangements for other services necessary for
the patient's care may be coordinated by Hospice of North Iowa staff,
at the family's request. Hospice staff will discuss any financial
obligations for these other services before arrangements are finalized.
- Bereavement care is offered to the family for up to one year following the death of the patient. A wide variety of services, both informal and formal, are available.
