Hospice Care

Hospice care focuses on comfort care and pain management rather than curative treatment. It is a special type of care for persons in the last phases of an incurable illness and for their families. The individual is encouraged to participate in care decisions that will promote their own dignity, and aide them in dealing with psychological and spiritual issues while concentrating on their comfort. The emphasis is on quality of life- not length of life. Hospice care neither hastens nor prolongs dying, it is comfort oriented.

In collaboration with The Briarwood's medical team, there is an interdisciplinary team of Hospice staff that will work closely with the patient, family, and physician to coordinate care. The goal will be alleviate pain and control symptoms. Family members are encouraged to be a part of the team, providing compassionate care for the terminally ill patient. Depending on your needs and choices your Hospice Team will include most of the following.

The Briarwood Hospice Team includes:

• Registered Nurses & Licensed Practical Nurses
• Medical Social Workers
• V.N.S. Hospice Coordinator
• Summa Hospice Coordinator
• Nursing Assistants
• Chaplain
• Registered Dietitian
• Therapist- Physical, Occupational & Speech
• Bereavement Counselors
• Trained Hospice Volunteers