Hospice
The philosophy of Putnam County Hospice is the belief that dying is an integral part of living. Hospice 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 visits, a nurse is on call 24 hours per day to assist the families as needed.
What is Hospice?
Hospice provides care, comfort, and support for people with life-limiting conditions (as well as their families) when medical care cannot offer a cure. To recieve hospice, physicians must be willing to state that death can be expected within 6 months if the disease follows its normal course. This does not mean that care will only be provided for 6 months; hospice can be provided as long as the person’s physician and hospice team certifies that their condition remains terminal.
Benefits of Hospice
The hospice team includes a doctor, nurse, social worker, chaplain, aide, and trained volunteers. The hospice team can provide the following services:
- Manage pain and other symptoms.
- Offer support with the emotional and spiritual aspects of dying.
- Provide medications, medical supplies, and equipment
- Teach family members skills to help them provide care
- Make short term inpatient or respite care available when pain or other symptoms become too difficult too manage at home.
Additional Information
Hospice Mission
Hospice Admission Criteria
In order to be admitted into the Putnam County Hospice you must have:
- 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.
- 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.
- A person’s attending physician orders hospice care and continues to direct that care throughout the illness.
- A person who is willing and able to assume responsibility for your care with the help of the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team.