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Our Services

Hospice

A Special Kind of Caring

Respect My Wishes
Information and Resource Guide for Grand Island, Nebraska

Philosophy

Hospice is a philosophy of care that believes that when cure is no longer possible, a special kind of caring can enhance the quality of life remaining for both the patient and his or her family. Hospice approaches death as a natural part of life, and assists the patient and family in dealing with the often complicated problems that accompany terminal illnesses.

In the past, a hospice was a place of shelter for travelers on a difficult journey. At Saint Francis Medical Center, hospice is a program of care for travelers on another journey. Our hospice team comforts and cares for individuals during the final stages of the journey of life.

We strive for two goals:

  • To help the terminally ill patient remain comfortable, alert, and able to participate in life as fully as possible until death occurs naturally and peacefully.
  • To enable the family to remain lovingly attentive to the special person throughout the dying process.
  • Care is directed by an interdisciplinary team that works closely with the patient's own physician to achieve not only physical comfort, but also emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Care is primarily in the home setting with short-term inpatient stays as needed. Home care may be provided at the patient's own home, a family member's home or a nursing facility. Family members also are a part of this team. In hospice, the family continues to help care for the patient with support and training of the hospice home care team members. Special attention is given to pain control and other debilitating physical symptoms.
  • Anyone may make a referral to Saint Francis Hospice program. Admission is available to patients regardless of race, national origin, religion, age, or ability to pay. We ask that candidates meet the following criteria:
  • That the patient needs and desires hospice services. -That the patient is in the end stages of a life-threatening illness.
  • That the family physician gives consent and cooperation.
  • That the patient resides in our service area of Hall, Hamilton, Howard, Merrick, Sherman, Greeley, Nance and Boone counties, as well as parts of Buffalo, Madison, Platte, Valley, and Wheeler counties.
  • That the family understands only palliative (symptom control) care will be given.
  • Hospice services begin with admission and continue through bereavement. The patient is encouraged to retain control over decisions affecting his or her life. Hospice is not meant to replace care by family members; it is designed to enhance and supplement that care. Financial arrangements include Medicare, private insurance, and private pay. Patients will not be refused services because of inability to pay. Applications for financial assistance are available.

Services Provided For Patients & Families

Medical care and supervision is under the direction of the patient's physician.
  • Nursing visits to the home for assessment of the patient's needs, care, instruction, and help with pain and symptom control by hospice nurses.
  • 24 hour on-call availability.
  • Home health aide visits for personal care needs.
  • Counseling and coordination of resources by a hospice social worker.
  • Pharmacy and dietitian consultation.
  • Spiritual and bereavement counseling.
  • Physical, occupational, and other support therapies as needed for pain and symptom management.
  • Short-term inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility with hospice-trained staff for pain and symptom control not managed at home, and for respite care for the caregiver.
  • Emotional support, transportation, and brief periods of relief for the caregiver by the hospice-trained volunteers.

For the Community

Specialized training for volunteers to prepare for providing emotional support and services to patients and families. Educational programs by hospice team members for healthcare professionals. Speakers bureau for organizations, churches, clubs, and schools.

For the Bereaved

Follow-up services for family members/caregivers throughout the period of bereavement of one year or longer. Grief classes. Grief counseling. Memorial services. Support groups.

Ways to help the Saint Francis Hospice Program as a Volunteer

(Training and supervision required)
  • Transportation
  • Patient Care
  • Emotional support and friendship
  • Bereavement support
  • Secretarial
  • Public speaking
  • Doing "neighborly" tasks such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, etc.

As a Friend: Financial donations

We appreciate your interest in our hospice program. Your prayers and financial support help make it possible.

For more information contact:

Hospice
2121 North Webb Road, Suite 304
Grand Island, NE 68803
308-398-2600 or 1-800-353-4894