What is Hospice?

     ...a concept of caring for a person in the last stages of terminal illness.  It is not a place.  It is the most comprehensive service available to meet the needs of the individual and their family.

     Hospice does not hasten the time of death, nor does it postpone death.  In fact, hospice isn't about dying - it's about living.  The goal of the Douglas County Memorial Hospice program is to enable terminally ill individuals and their families to live as fully and comfortably as possible in the time that is left.

     Douglas County Memorial Hospice is Medicare certified and accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

Goals include...

     Keeping the individual comfortable and as alert as possible, maximizing the quality of life for the individual's remaining days in their chosen environment.  We do this by enabling the individual and family to meet physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual needs.

     Our services help the individual and their family remain in control of the care that is given.  We continue to provide support to the family during the entire bereavement process.

Hospice Care...

     ...the team members are all trained professionals, but in Hospice we are human beings before we are experts.  The entire team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  The team includes:

bulletMedical Director who acts as a liaison between the physician and the hospice team.
 
bulletRegistered Nurses who make regular home visits as needed, arrange for equipment in the home, and direct bereavement services.  On-call nurses will make home visits if a telephone response does not answer the question or expressed need.
 
bulletSocial Worker who assists with financial and legal concerns, and provides emotional support and counseling.
 
bulletChaplain who addresses spiritual concerns and acts as a liaison to the individual's own clergy.
 
bulletVolunteers who are carefully screened and well-trained.  They provide comfort and support in practical ways to both individuals and their families.
 
bulletOthers who may include a Nutrition Consultant, a Pain Management Consultant and others, as needed.

The Philosophy of Hospice...

     ...every effort is made to keep the individual at home as long as possible.  However, if physical symptoms become unmanageable at home or if the family needs a break from care giving, inpatient care is available at Douglas County Memorial Hospital.  The same concerned approach to care continues within the hospital setting.

Hospice is open to...

     ...persons of all ages and diagnoses who meet the eligibility criteria, regardless of race, religion or ability to pay.

     Eligibility criteria include:

bulletThe individual is diagnosed as having a terminal illness, with a limited life expectancy of six months or less.
 
bulletThere must be a primary care giver in the home.  This could be a family member or members who take turns, a friend or someone who has been hired to provide care.
 
bulletThe individual and family must be knowledgeable of the individual's diagnosis/prognosis and desire hospice care.

 
If you have any questions about Douglas County Memorial Hospice, please call (605) 724-2159 or (605) 995-2268 and ask for the Hospice Nurse.


Hospice is funded by...

     ...a variety of sources, including Avera Queen of peace Health Services and third party payers with the added support of donations.

     Avera Queen of Peace Health Services makes every effort to maintain this valuable program, but help by way of voluntary contributions is vital to keep the program going and growing.

     If you think that the goals of Douglas County Memorial Hospice are important and worthwhile, your consideration and financial support are appreciated.

Contact...

Douglas County Memorial Hospice
Douglas County Memorial Hospital
708 8th Street
Armour, SD 57313-2102
605-724-2159