The Hospice Partners program is a coordinated program of comfort and supportive services provided in either home or facility settings, which provides physical, emotional, social and spiritual care for dying patients and their families. Using a comprehensive case management approach, an interdisciplinary team of hospice professionals and volunteers develop and follow a patient-centered care plan that is individualized, and includes input from the patient and family. Hospice services are provided by this team, the family and friends.

Members of the interdisciplinary team include:

Physicians - All of the care given by Hospice Partners will remain under the direction of the patient's primary doctor. When there is no primary doctor, or the primary doctor wants assistance, a Hospice Partners' Physician will assume the care.

Registered Nurses - Each patient and family is assigned a Nurse/Case Manager who will coordinate the delivery of care. The Nurse will keep the patient and family informed about the progression of the illness and what to expect, as well as teach the patient's caregivers about proper patient care techniques.

Medical Social Workers - Each patient is assigned a Social Worker to assist with
practical problems, recommend additional services and resources and assist in finding financial or legal aid as well as advising on funeral plans and final arrangements. The Social Worker is also a trained counselor who can help patients talk about the changes that are happening and facilitate family communication.

Home Health Aides - Aides assist the patient with bathing and personal care, and help with homemaking tasks and caregiver relief.

Spiritual Counselors - During the time of illness, death and bereavement, many people seek the understanding and strength of clergy. Individual beliefs and practices are held in the highest respect at Hospice Partners of the Central Coast. Spiritual support can be provided to patients and families either directly by our Spiritual Counselors or by coordinating with other community clergy.

Dieticians - A Dietician will assist the patient and family with dietary concerns related to end-of-life care.

Bereavement Counselors - After the death of a loved one, contact is maintained by a Bereavement Counselor for at least 13 months. Cards, phone calls and visits are some of the ways we support grieving families.

Volunteers - Specially trained individuals are heavily relied on by the professional staff to provide an extra measure of support. They provide emotional support and
companionship for patients and practical assistance for families. Volunteers are matched to patients based on patient needs, like interests, geography, and sometimes gender. Volunteers make a commitment of approximately 4 hours a week.

Therapists - From time to time the services of Physical, Occupational and Speech
Therapists may be indicated for the patient. Hospice Partners is able to supply these
through contracts with therapists in the area.

Musician - A Therapeutic Musician is available to provide appropriate live music to support the complex physical, emotional and spiritual processes encountered by patients and caregivers. Therapeutic music is not entertainment, but instead can be used to augment other therapies to reduce a patient's pain and anxiety.

Pharmacist - A Pharmacist is available to advise team members about medications for pain and symptom management.