Putnam County Hospice

Hospice Philosophy

The philosophy of Putnam County Hospice is the belief that dying is an integral part of living. Hospice affirms life and neither hastens death nor prolongs life. It allows one to live each day fully and as alert and pain-free as possible. Hospice treats the person along with the disease. We encourage the celebration of life every day.

Emotional, physical, spiritual and social support is provided to the patient and family throughout the process of both illness and bereavement. Family members are encouraged to be actively involved in their loved one's care. A team of physicians, nurses, social workers, clergy, aides and volunteers follows an individualized care plan designed to meet the specific needs of the patient. In addition to regular nursing vists, a nurse is on call 24 hours per day to assist the families as needed.

Hospice Services

Putnam County Hospice provides a special kind of care for a terminally ill person of any age and their families. Hospice services are available in private homes, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. These services include:

Nursing Care
Skilled assessment of patient's condition with focus on pain control and symptom management.

Medical Director
Along with the patient's primary physician, a medical director coordinates the medical management of the patient.

Personal Care Aides
Assist patient and families with activities of daily living.

Volunteer
Provided by members of your community dedicated to helping you and your family in a variety of areas such as personal visits, relieving caregivers and bereavement support.

Counseling
Assist patient and family with psychosocial/nutritional/financial/emotional support to cope with the impact of illness.

Spiritual Care
Coordination with the family's own religious network to provide spiritual support.

Bereavement
Provides bereavement support for up to thirteen months following the patient's death through individual and family visits, social support groups and resource material.

Physical, Speech & Occupational Therapies

Admissions Criteria

1. A diagnosis of a terminal illness has been made by a physician, with a person's life expectancy now measured in months rather than years.
2. A person/family requesting hospice care understands that medical therapies can no longer be used for cure and are seeking palliative measures for pain control and/or symptom management.
3. A person's attending physician orders hospice care and continues to direct that care throughout the illness.
4. A person is willing and able to assume responsibility for your care with the help of the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team.