Description:
Avera@Home Hospice is an inter-disciplinary team that comes together to provide comprehensive end-of –life care for patients and families. The primary team includes a physician, nurse, pharmacist, social worker, spiritual counselor, home health aide, and volunteer. Other team members participate as needed to include therapists, nutritionists and homemakers.
The Hospice program’s focus is to help the patient and his/her family deal with the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of a terminal illness. The plan of care includes evaluation and management of pain and symptoms associated with the terminal illness. The program provides access to a 24-hour-on-call nurse to assist in times of crisis or when there is a change in the patient’s condition.
Hospice volunteers provide companionship, run errands and other support for patient and/or family. There is a bereavement program for follow up with the family after the patient has passed away. Hospice can be provided in any setting in which the patient resides. Hospice care honors patient’s beliefs and philosophies, assists the patient to prepare for death and addresses family’s loss and grief.
Staff and are experienced and trained to provide hospice care. Avera @Home Hospice is Medicare certified. People are eligible for hospice care if they have a limited life expectancy (six months or less) and a doctor’s authorization. Payor sources for services include: Medicare, Medicaid, insurance, Veterans Administration and self-pay.