Once you or your loved one decides hospice care may be the next step, you become a part of the Lifesong family.
It All Begins with a Family Discussion
When the focus of your life-limiting illness has shifted from a cure to symptom management and a better quality of life, a discussion with your family about hospice care should take place. Hospice care allows you to spend the time you have left with your loved ones restfully and with the comforts of home, a retirement community, a skilled nursing facility, and even a hospital, if necessary.
Conversation with your Physician
After a family discussion has taken place, a conversation with your physician is the next step. Once the physician agrees to a hospice care evaluation, Lifesong is soon contacted.
Resident/Family Meeting and Evaluation
Once Lifesong is contacted, a representative from Lifesong explains to the resident and their family what hospice services involve and answers any questions that arise. If the resident or designated decision maker is in agreement, a hospice nurse evaluation of the resident is scheduled. If the head-to-toe assessment results in a hospice care approval, services can start immediately.
Hospice Services
Within the first five days of becoming a member of the Lifesong family, an interdisciplinary care team is assigned to you, which includes a physician, nurses, a social worker, a bereavement counselor, a chaplain, and a hospice aide. A specialized plan of care is determined that provides you with comfort so you can enjoy the time you have with family and friends.
Lifesong also understands that complementary therapies can bring added comfort. Additional services offered in the plan of care may include massage therapy, art therapy, and music therapy.
We focus on patients and their entire family during this difficult time. By providing the utmost respect and regard as well as individualized, compassionate care, support and options, we honor each patient’s unique life, their legacy, their Lifesong.
