Hospice Aide Services Expanded at Saint Anthony's Health Center
(January 17, 2012) – Saint Anthony’s Hospice has expanded and now offer Hospice Aide services up to five times per week to support all aspects of the patient’s personal care needs.
Hospice is a unique healthcare philosophy, appropriate for those with life-threatening illnesses who are no longer seeking curative treatment. It affirms life and regards dying as a normal process.
“Hospice treats the person, not the disease,” says Denise Saksa, RN, Supervisor of Saint Anthony’s Hospice. “As a compliment to the other disciplines involved in the 
patient’s care, our Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) will provide additional availability to assist caregivers administering to loved ones during their final journey here on Earth.
“This patient-centered care is adjusted throughout the course of treatment to respond to the changing needs of the patient and family. Our Hospice aides and empathic Hospice team are available to respond.”
The Hospice enhancement is provided to patients in or across all locations of care, from personal residence to long term care facilities. “Early referral is recommended to allow for maximum benefit, for both the patient and family,” says Saksa.
Saint Anthony’s multi-disciplinary Hospice team approach continues to be individualized, comprehensive and family oriented, and may include:
- Registered Nurse visits, 24 hour/on call availability
- CNA visits available up to five times per week
- Social Worker and Family Counseling
- Spiritual and Pastoral Support
- Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapies
- Registered Dietician
- Interdisciplinary Team Meetings
- Medical Director Services
- “No One Dies Alone” program
- 12 month Bereavement Program
- Prescriptions, Medical Supplies and Equipment
For more information or to make a referral to Saint Anthony’s Hospice, please call 463-5636.