The mission of hospice is to provide compassionate care to people with progressive and life-threatening illness, support to their families and education to the community for a deeper understanding of end-of-life care. Nurses are on-call 24 hours per day, 7 days a week for the comfort and peace of mind of our patients.

Nurses and Aides work together to improve the well-being and quality of life of our patients. Skilled nursing is provided by a Registered Nurse who works under the supervision of your primary care physician. Examples of services provided include:

• Assessments and blood draws
• Colostomy care
• IV therapy
• Wound care
• Medication administration/setup/instruction
• Health educators in nutritional guidance, home safety and health promotions
• Pain management
• End-of-life care education

In addition to skilled nursing services, aides and homemakers assist with activities of daily living, such as:

• Bathing, shampooing hair, toileting and dressing
• Meal preparation
• Laundry
• Errands
• Grocery shopping
• Light housekeeping
• Transportation to doctors’ appointments (per agency policy)
• Other personal cares specific to meet your needs

Medications related to the hospice diagnosis as well as necessary equipment such as oxygen, wheel chair or hospital bed are covered as part of your hospice care.

Additional services provided to patients and their families include:

• Bereavement and Support – Free bereavement services are available for up to one year following the patient’s death for family and friends to help them cope. In addition, many free support groups meet regularly.

For more information about Free Grief and Support Groups, click here.

• Chaplain Services – Hospice recognizes the importance of the spiritual needs of you and your family. A hospice chaplain is available upon request or you are welcome to share your feelings with your own minister, priest or rabbi.
  
  
• Education Materials – A selection of books regarding bereavement and the death of a loved one are available in the Hospice Library to help all ages with the grieving process.
  
  
• Social Worker – A Social Worker is available to help patients and their families cope with stresses of an illness and other concerns. The Social Worker can assist patients with Advanced Directives and Power of Attorney documents.
  
  
• Volunteers – Hospice volunteers are in the unique position to provide timely and loving friendship for dying patients and their families by running errands, bringing or preparing meals and providing respite for caregivers. All volunteers are specially trained and respect the need for strict privacy.

If you are interested in becoming an MHP Hospice volunteer, click here.