Services

Services are provided by a skilled interdisciplinary team to assist patients and families through the difficult journey of a terminal illness. These services are provided by Montgomery Hospice and Prince George’s Hospice to all patients, including the uninsured and under-insured.

THE MONTGOMERY HOSPICE AND PRINCE GEORGE’S HOSPICE TEAM

Care is provided by a team of people that includes doctors, nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors, hospice aides and trained volunteers.

When a patient first enters hospice, members of the Montgomery Hospice and Prince George’s Hospice Team visit the patient and family to learn their needs. They make regular follow-up visits based on the care plan that the patient, family and hospice team establish together.

The Montgomery Hospice and Prince George’s Hospice doctor will work with the patient’s community doctor to manage pain or other symptoms.  If necessary, the Montgomery Hospice and Prince George’s Hospice doctor will visit a patient’s home.

Visit patients regularly to see how they are doing, teach caregivers how to take care of their loved ones, and answer medical questions that arise. They assist in coordinating the care and contact the physician frequently to help manage symptoms for comfort.

Help patients and families learn coping skills and ways to keep patients comfortable in their homes. They also can help patients and families with difficult conversations or to work on practical tasks, such as arranging for help with chores or caregiving duties.

Are available to talk (or just listen) about any personal or spiritual concerns. These may – or may not – be religious discussions. Our chaplains help people find comfort and answers within their own beliefs.  Chaplains offer spiritual and emotional support to people of any faith background, or no faith background. More about Chaplains and spiritual counselors

Are licensed Certified Nursing Assistants who have passed a state certification exam and have experience in hospice care. Hospice Aides visit patients periodically according to their physical needs to help with things such as bathing and dressing.

Can help patients and families in a variety of ways.  They can do things such as sitting with patients so caregivers can take a break, giving soothing hand massages to ease stress, running errands for the busy caregiver, or helping patients and families with creating special memoirs. Volunteers are required to attend ongoing training during the year and would have completed an extensive three-day training upon orientation to Montgomery Hospice and Prince George’s Hospice.

Montgomery Hospice and Prince George’s Hospice also uses Complementary Therapies such as massage, music therapy, animal companionship, Reiki and aromatherapy. For some patients, these techniques (used along with conventional medical care) provide comfort and ease pain and anxiety.

SERVICES FOR HOSPICE CARE

  • Nurses on-call 24 hours a day/7 days a week

  • Physicians specialized in hospice/palliative care who oversee medical needs

  • Nurses (RNs) trained in end-of-life care that coordinate and provide bedside care

  • Hospice Aides (CNAs) available to assist with personal care if needed

  • Social Workers (MSWs) to address patient and family practical needs and provide counseling

  • Spiritual counselors that provide emotional and non-biased spiritual support for patients and families

  • Volunteers to provide companionship and support (if family requests)

  • Bereavement counselors available for up to 13 months free of charge

  • 5-Day Respite Care (as needed)

  • Comprehensive pain management

  • Acute, comprehensive pain and symptom management

  • Caregiver training for family caregivers

  • Medications and treatments to control pain and other symptoms related to the hospice diagnosis

  • Medical supplies and durable medical equipment as needed, directed by the plan of care

These services are made available to our patients through a range of programs, including:

Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance do not pay for a hospice nurse to be in a patient’s home all the time. We can put you in touch with other organizations that may be able to provide you with additional nursing support.