Hospice Service/Palliative Care
Hospice is a philosophy of life as well as a program of care. We recognize dying as a normal process and work to neither hasten nor postpone death. We believe that through appropriate care and support, patients can live the last phase of life fully, with dignity and freedom from pain or discomfort, in the presence of familiar persons and surroundings. We recognize the patient and family as a unit of care.
An interdisciplinary team approach is used to help terminally ill patients and their families face physical, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of their lives and the patient’s death, together in an atmosphere of support and acceptance. Our services include:
- Expert nursing care under your physician’s direction
- Personal care, including bathing, dressing and feeding
- Spiritual support
- Emotional counseling
- Social services
- Volunteer support
- Bereavement counseling for loved ones following death
Palliative Care
Palliative care is a special kind of healthcare for people who are living with life-threatening illness. The goal is to provide the best quality of life for patients with an advanced or terminal illness by ensuring their comfort and dignity and relieving suffering. Palliative care uses a team approach to meet not only physical needs but also the psychological, social, cultural, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families.
The Palliative Care Unit at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital provides a quiet and supportive haven to patients and family members who require hospitalization. The unit consists of six private rooms and a patient/family lounge. Staff members are specially trained in symptom management and helping patients and families consider long- and short-term plans.