What to Expect From Hospice Care

The hospice care program at Banner Health looks a little different for everyone based on your needs. You and your loved ones are at the center of decision making. We’re here to offer care, guide you and provide information as you enter into this program.

What Can Families Expect?

We understand how important this time with your loved one is. That’s why we provide our patients and their families with all the resources possible. Your Banner health care team members are here to support you by making hospice care available when you need it.

Patients in hospice care will receive care from a multidisciplinary team of experts comprised of physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, bereavement counselors and volunteers, who work together to address physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs. These experts will also work closely with the patient’s caregiver and family to provide education and training where necessary.

Additionally, we make sure to listen to our caregivers, give respite and provide support for difficult decisions.

Hospice Care Delivery

Banner Hospice care is delivered wherever you call home by an interdisciplinary hospice team. Your hospice team is on-call 24 hours a day to answer questions and handle emergencies. Hospice team members also make visits to provide medical care, emotional and spiritual support, and help with personal care such as bathing.

For acute symptoms that are difficult to manage at home, Banner Hospice offers inpatient care. Wherever hospice care is received, we use the same caring team approach with a comfortable home-like setting.

Who Is on a Hospice Team?

Because each patient and family has different needs, a dedicated hospice team is assigned to each specific patient and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The team works closely with the patient's medical director to create a care plan driven by the needs and wishes of the patient, family and other loved ones.

• Medical directors: Oversee and direct the care plan a patient receives. They are available 7 days a week to care for the patient’s needs in their home or at the inpatient location.
• Nurse practitioners: Help determine a patient’s ongoing care needs. They partner with the rest of the care team to adjust and evolve a patient’s care plan as necessary.
• Nurse case managers: Control and manage pain and symptoms. They help create a care plan and continue to monitor changing needs, while in constant communication with the medical director.
• Social workers: Address psychological and emotional needs of the patient and family, helping with access to community resources.
• Home health aides: Help with personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming) and light housekeeping.
• Additional care may be provided by chaplains, volunteers, registered dietitians and therapists.

Inpatient vs. Home Care

Inpatient hospice care is typically reserved for patients who require a higher level of care and need acute symptom management that can’t be handled at home. Inpatient care is meant to be temporary hospice care with the goal of getting the patient comfortable enough to move back home as soon as possible.

If you feel hospice care may be right for you or your loved one, talk to your doctor. Our caring team is ready to guide you and your loved ones through your hospice experience.