Description:Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley is working diligently to keep up to date with federal and state mandates as it pertains to essential healthcare services during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the New York State Department of Health, additional precautions have been put in place to ensure the safety of our patients and families receiving care from all our programs. While some changes are necessary to reduce the risk of exposure and spread of this virus, the team at Hospice and Palliative Care remains committed to providing care for those affected by advanced illness and grief at this time.
Hospice care is a special concept of care designed to provide comfort and support to individuals with a life-limiting illness and extends support to their family members and caregivers. Hospice care provides expert pain and symptom management along with emotional and spiritual support.
Hospice care is typically provided within the last six months of a person’s life by a team of healthcare professionals who work together to develop a personalized plan of care based on a person’s individual needs, goals and wishes. This interdisciplinary team is made up of physicians, registered nurses, social workers, chaplains, hospice aides, trained volunteers, bereavement counselor and other therapists.
Hospice focuses on caring for a person’s whole health rather than curing diseases. Under the care of Hospice, the needs of the patient, caregiver and family unit are all addressed as they navigate life with a serious illness. Since its inception, hospice has focused on bringing quality, compassionate care to patients and families across St. Lawrence County, regardless of their location.
What can you expect while on service?
Visits from staff to assess the patient’s condition and changing needs
Management of pain and other difficult symptoms
Assistance with bathing, personal care and other needs
Medications, equipment and supplies to keep the patient comfortable
Assistance from social workers and spiritual care staff to address the emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and family
Case management services to link families with additional programs and services
Education and support for the family and caregiver
Grief support
*The National Hospice and Palliative Care Association has created a free tool to help those at a high risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus discuss how they would like to be treated, and connects them with their free state-specific advance directive. View the COVID-19 Shared Decision-Making Tool.