Visiting Nurse Association of Mercer County

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"I never realized that such excellent care could be given at home."

Hospice is about special people caring for patients with life-limiting illness. The Hospice staff is dedicated to making it possible for these patients and their loved ones to live their remaining time together in the comfort of their own homes, with dignity and as pain-free as possible.

The Hospice Team works with the physician, patient and family to develop a plan of care that will meet both the needs of the patients and the caregivers. The plan of care is tailored to provide the support needed before and during the passing of a patient.

A Skilled Interdisciplinary Team of Registered Nurses, Certified Home Health Aides, Medical Director, Clergy and the Volunteer Family Support Team work with their physician to provide quality care in a loving and comfortable environment.

Hospice offers a variety of services

Visits by registered nurses, social workers, and certified home
health aides as determined by the Hospice Team
On-call nursing services available 24 hours a day/7 days week
Instruction for caregivers when the patient is at home
Education about illness, what to expect as the disease progresses
and how to cope with the resulting limitations
Provision for medical equipment, supplies, and medication related to the terminal illness
Family Support Team – members of the community who volunteer
to give support to each patient and/or family member
Spiritual counseling, if desired
Individual and family counseling
Bereavement support

Philosophy
Hospice affirms life. Hospice neither hastens nor postpones death. Hospice recognizes that dying is a natural process, whether or not resulting from a disease. It is as much a part of life as birth, growth, development and maturity. Hospice exists to provide palliative and supportive care, in a variety of appropriate settings for persons in the final stage of an incurable illness. Hospice believes that through caring, individualized services and a loving community, patients and their families may attain physical, mental and spiritual peace.

"There are no words to express our gratitude for your compassion, caring and understanding at this most difficult time in our lives. We couldn’t have done it without you!"

Hospice Services

Care is individualized to the patient’s needs and include nursing, physician services for medical management, medical social work, home health aide, respite care, pain and symptom control, medical supplies and equipment, bereavement services and counseling

Bereavement Counseling

The Bereavement Support Program helps survivors of all ages adjust to their loss and works with them to assure their long-term well-being. This program provides the support family members and friends need, and assists them in finding ways to continue living their everyday life. A full range of services such as individual follow-up, individual and family counseling and support groups are included in the Bereavement Program. The services are also open to other community members coping with losses of their own, outside the Hospice setting.

Spiritual Services

Non-denominational services, which honors the memory of a loved one, brings a sense of reality to the family and friends. Engaging the celebration of life is offered on an individual basis as requested by an individual or family.

Family Support Team

Members of the community, trained in the hospice philosophy, work with hospice families to provide respite care, sort through feelings, handle new roles in their lives and assist them in finding ways to live their everyday lives. It is about "Neighbors Helping Neighbors Right Here in Mercer County".

For more information about any of these services, email us at info@vnahomecare.org

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