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The Team Approach

by Mary Odbert

Hospice is based on the concept that the end of life requires care for the whole person; the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the person all need to be supported. We include the caregivers and family in this care as they are affected by the illness also. To provide successfully for the patient and family we must act as a team. Our team includes a medical director, nursing staff, hospice aides, social workers, spiritual counselors (chaplains) and volunteers who all work together to comfort, assist and care for each patient and that patient’s family.

When Yolo Hospice cares for a patient, we take on all responsibility associated with the patient’s terminal condition. Instead of calling 911, you call us. If you have to go into the hospital, we arrange for it. If you need more medication, we deliver it. If you need help getting into the bath, we provide it. You can see why a team is so important. One person can’t do it all.

A hospice team is a great deal like a sports team. We count on one another to perform at our best. Knowing the importance of each team member and the role they play in caring for our patients is critical, as is appreciation of each other’s contribution.

The nurse acts as quarterback, but even the quarterback doesn’t act alone. When we first see a patient and family, it is a team that goes out to meet them. The nurse and a social worker go to introduce them to Yolo Hospice services.

In addition to the Registered Nurse, the medical part of the team includes the Yolo Hospice Medical Director and the patient’s attending physician. The Yolo Hospice Medical Director serves as a consultant to the patient’s attending physician for any pain or symptom management issues. The attending physician is the coach directing all other care as necessary. Registered Nurses from Yolo Hospice make regular visits through which they provide pain control, sophisticated symptom relief and comfort. The nursing team leaders coordinate the hospice team as they care for the patient. On-Call Registered Nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Hospice is more than medical care. Patients and families frequently need assistance with non-medical matters related to an illness. Social workers provide emotionally supportive counseling as well as guidance around business, resources and final planning. They help patients deal with advance directives, funeral arrangements, insurance issues and referrals to community resources as necessary.
Chaplains/Spiritual Counselors support patients, who desire it, within their own individual spiritual beliefs. Some people express their spirituality through religion. More generally, spirituality is the non-material aspects of life, which provide the meaning in our lives. It guides how we respond to life limiting illness. Spiritual support is a core hospice service and available to all patients and their families.

Our hospice aides (CHHAs) typically provide personal care to the patient. Patients in hospice often require or benefit from assistance in grooming and personal hygiene. These services can include hair washing, bathing, bed linen changing and other light housekeeping duties. Those confined to bed may require additional care.

 

 

 

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Quotes

Ted Skiera
"I've worked for 20+ years in cardiovascular and oncology nursing, most recently working as a nurse coordinator in cardiovascular research. My work with Yolo Hospice has enabled me to focus all of my acute clinical experiences into caring for patients, and their loved ones, during a most challenging period of their lives."
~Ted Skiera, RN