• HospiceHospice_Hands_Nurse

    Each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity. 

    Hospice is a team-oriented approach to expert medical care management. It is tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes. Support is provided to the patient’s loved ones as well. 

    The focus of hospice relies on the belief that each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity and that our loved ones will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so. The focus of hospice is on caring, not curing, and in most cases, care is provided to you in your own home. Hospice is available to persons of any age, religion, race, or illness. Hospice is covered under Medicare, Medicaid, VA. and most private insurance plans including managed care organizations.  

    Hospice care is for any person who has a life-limiting or terminal illness. Most reimbursement sources require a prognosis of six months or less if the terminal illness runs its normal course. Patients with both cancer and non-cancer illnesses are eligible to receive hospice care. All hospices consider the patient and family together as a unit of care. Typically, a family member serves as primary caregiver and when appropriate, makes decisions for the terminally ill individual.  

    For more information about Hospice, contact Ellen Ness, RN, Hospice Manager at Black River Memorial Hospital, 715-284-1365 or nesse@brmh.net, or Lea Coville, MD, Hospice Medical Director at the Krohn Clinic, 715-284-4311. 

    Click here for our Service Area Map.



  • Among its major responsibilities, the interdisciplinary team: 

    • Manage the patient’s pain and symptoms  
    • Assist the patient with the emotional and psychosocial and spiritual aspects of dying  
    • Coach the family on how to care for the patient  
    • Provide needed medications, medical supplies, and equipment  
    • Deliver special services like speech and physical therapy when needed  
    • Make short-term inpatient care available when pain or symptoms become too difficult to manage at home, or the caregiver needs respite time  
    • Provide bereavement care and counseling to surviving friends and relatives  

    Hospice care is a family-centered approach that includes a team of nurses, social workers, chaplains, and trained volunteers. They work together to focus on the patient’s needs: physical, spiritual, psychosocial. The team consists of:  

    • The patient’s personal physician  
    • Hospice physician (medical director)  
    • Social worker  
    • Nurses  
    • Home health aid
    • Spiritual coordinator  
    • Bereavement coordinator
    • Trained volunteers  
    • Dietitian and speech, physical, and occupational therapists if needed  

    How do I pay for hospice? 

    Hospice is paid for through the Medicare Hospice Benefit, Medicaid Hospice Benefit, and by most private insurers. If a person does not have coverage through Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance, Black River Hospice will work with the person and their family to ensure that needed services are provided.  

    When is the right time to ask about Hospice Care?  

    Now is the best time to learn more about hospice care and ask questions about what to expect. Although end-of-life care may be difficult to discuss, it is best for the loved ones and family members to share their wishes long before it becomes a concern.  

    Can I refer someone to Hospice?  

    Anyone may call Black River Hospice at 715-284-1343 to request an informational visit or assessment for themselves, a family member, or a friend. A Hospice staff member will visit the home at each person’s convenience. The person’s physician will then be contacted to obtain certification into the Hospice Program. 

    Where can I find more information? 

    www.wisconsinhospice.org

    www.caringinfo.org

    www.nhpco.org

    www.nahc.org

     


    Below you will find several options for volunteering for our Hospice program.

    If you are interested in becoming a Hospice volunteer, contact the Hospice office at 715-284-1343.  Volunteer training sessions are required and are held periodically. There is no cost or obligation to volunteer by attending the training sessions.

    For information on our other volunteer opportunities, click here.

    Regular Hospice Volunteers

    Fully trained to provide:

    • Respite care for families
    • Help with occasional office work
    • Run errands
    • Provide transportation
    • Visit with patients to review their lives
    • Support patient families
    • Assist with patient/family home needs

     Transition Volunteers

    Specially trained in:

    • End-of-life care for imminently dying patients
    • Bereavement process

     Hospice Teen Volunteers

    Must be 14 to 18 years of age to be considered. Will be trained to:

    • Visit with patients
    • Provide light housekeeping
    • Run errands and shop
    • Provide respite care
    • Visit patients in long-term facilities
    • Yard work
    • Complete life reviews

    Hospice Helpers

    Those who wish to assist the program in areas that do not involve patient or family contact.