Hospice Services
Saint Anthony's Hospice program is an extension of the Home Health Care Services of Saint Anthony's Health Center. Hospice team members visit patients and families in their homes to provide specialized care, which fills an individual's physical, psychological and spiritual needs.
Our Hospice Services, located at Saint Clare's Hospital in Alton, Illinois, was established to provide care and support for terminally ill patients, the dying and their families -- in the home. This special home care is designed to make the process of dying a peaceful and hopeful experience for the patient and family because "Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16).
What is the Right Time to Refer to Hospice -- Guidelines and Clinical Indicators
Hospice Program Objectives
- Provide the possibility for the dying patient to die at home, or stay at home as long as possible.
- Relieve and control physical symptoms and to assist the patient in coping with bodily impairment and disfigurements.
- Prevent unnecessary fear, isolation, despair and abandonment.
- Promote the patient's sense of self-worth and dignity.
- Prepare and support the dying during the final stage of life.
- Express that "someone cares".
Everyone Must Make A Commitment
Everyone must make a commitment to providing the best possible care in the home. The patient, his or her family, and the health care team join to provide for the well-being of the terminally ill person. Under the guidance of the attending physician, home health care nurses and aides, therapists and volunteers visit the patient and family in the home. The health professionals provide necessary physical care and direct the family members in caring for the patient at home. Volunteers provide support in the form of friendship and periodic visits.
Team Members
- Patient
- Family
- Attending Physician
- Nurses and Aides - Enhanced Certified Aide Services
- Volunteers
- Patient's personal clergy member and members of Saint Anthony's Pastoral Care team.
- Social Worker
- Consulting Services: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Nutritionist, Respiratory Care
Participation in the Program
Some guidelines have been established for patients and their families who are interested in our Hospice program:
A patient must be referred by a physician who is on the medical staff of Saint Anthony's. Special considerations will be made to those physicians not on staff.
- The patient must have a desire to be cared for at home and the family must agree to special home care services.
- There must be an adequate home situation in order to care for the patient safely.
- There must be a person in the home to provide care between professional visits.
- The patient must reside in the hospital geographical service area.
Bereavement Follow-Up
Because we see the family as a part of the unit needing care and concern, members of the Hospice Team will continue to contact family members up to two years following the death of their loved ones.
For more information about Hospice Services, please call 618/463-5636.