What services are provided by hospices?
A wide range of services is provided by nurses and other health care providers within the hospice program. The variety of services provided by the hospice care team include the following. Nursing Care: Registered nurses coordinate the care for every patient, provide direct patient care, and check symptoms and medication. Patient and family education is an important part of every visit. The nurse is the link between the patient and his or her family and the physician. The nurse can also help evaluate the patient’s condition. Medical Social Services: The social worker provides advice and counseling to the patient and all family members during the crisis period. The social worker assists other care team members in understanding the family dynamics and acts as an advocate for the patient and family in making use of community resources. Physician Services: The patient’s physician approves the plan of care and works with the hospice team. In a full hospice program a hospice medical director
