Understanding Hospice Care: The Comfort Care Philosophy
Hospice care's objective is to provide comfort care rather than a cure for the terminal illness. For a patient to qualify for hospice care, a physician must establish the patient has a prognosis of 6 months or less of life, taking into consideration the patient's illness will run its natural course.
Unlike curative treatment that focuses on fighting disease, hospice care embraces a holistic approach that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Our interdisciplinary team works together to create a personalized care plan that honors each patient's wishes and priorities.
Why Families Choose Pinnacle Hospice
Choosing hospice care is one of the most significant decisions a family can make. At Pinnacle, we understand the weight of this choice and are committed to making every remaining day meaningful. Our approach focuses on:
Pain and Symptom Management: Our medical director and nursing staff are experts in managing pain, shortness of breath, nausea, anxiety, and other symptoms that accompany serious illness. We continuously adjust medications and treatments to maintain comfort.
24/7 Availability: Our hospice team members, including registered nurses, care for the patient in their home with scheduled visits. Our nurses are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for emergency visits or to answer questions you or your family may have.
Reduced Hospitalizations: Studies show that hospice patients experience significantly fewer emergency room visits and hospital admissions. Our proactive symptom management means patients spend more time at home with their loved ones rather than in clinical settings.
Family Support: Hospice care is not just for the patient. Our social workers, chaplains, and bereavement counselors provide comprehensive support to family members and caregivers throughout the hospice journey and for up to one year after.
Our Hospice Care Team
Pinnacle Hospice was founded in 2019. We provide state-of-the-art hospice care for patients in their actual dwellings, nursing homes, or assisted living apartments. Our hospice care team consists of:
- Medical Director with expertise in pain management
- Registered Nurses certified in hospice and palliative care
- Certified Nursing Assistants for personal care needs
- Licensed Social Workers
- Spiritual Care Providers and Ordained Chaplain
- Bereavement Counselors and Coordinators
- Trained Volunteers including bedside vigil volunteers
- Clinical Dietitian
Hospice Services We Provide
- A caring coordinator who will explain Pinnacle Hospice Care Services
- Comfort medications with instructions available upon admission
- Continuous care in the home for symptom management
- Nurse visits in the home, as needed and scheduled
- Nursing aides available to help with daily personal care needs
- Professional staff on-call 24-hours
- Respite care for primary caregivers
- Durable medical equipment (hospital bed, commode, etc.)
- Medical supplies related to the terminal diagnosis
- Medications related to the terminal illness
- Unlimited bereavement support for the family
Common Signs It May Be Time for Hospice
There can be many indicators when deciding if it is time for hospice care. Some common indicators include:
- Visiting the hospital frequently for complications due to a disease
- Increased pain even though you are currently taking pain medication
- Significant, unintentional weight loss
- Labored breathing and shortness of breath
- Declining ability to perform daily activities
- Frequent infections or complications
Pinnacle Hospice Care's patients are free to end their hospice care at any time. There are instances where a patient's health may stabilize and the patient and family decide they no longer need hospice services.
