What is Hospice?

HOSPICE is a program designed to serve the needs of the terminally ill and their families.  HOSPICE services are provided primarily in the home but may also carried out at long-term facilities, personal care homes or at The Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Drive, Beckley, WV.  HOSPICE does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, religion, nationality, race, sexual orientation, diagnosis, disability, or ability to pay.  Emphasis is given to the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of the dying and their loved ones.

Hospice Philosophy

HOSPICE affirms life.  HOSPICE exists to provide support and care for persons in the last phases of terminal illness so that they might live as fully and comfortably as possible.  HOSPICE exists in the hope and belief that, through professional nursing care and the promotion of a caring community sensitive to their needs, participants and families will be free to attain a degree of mental and spiritual preparation for deaththat is satisfactory to them.

Hospice Offers...

• A program of coordinated care for participants in the last stages of their illness.
• A professional, team approach to caring for the whole person.
• Palliative, not curative, treatment including all medicines and equipment related to the terminal diagnosis. 
• Services available on call, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Trained volunteers who provide non-clinical support relating to the individual needs of participants and their families.
• Bereavement care and 13-month continuous follow-up.  Our role does not end with the death of a Hospice participant.  On-going bereavement care is available to the participant's family and friends following a loved one's death.  Individual counseling, group support, and informational mailings are offered to help guide those bereaved through the natural grieving process.  This service is open to the public, not just to Hospice families.

The Hospice Team Approach

Medical care for the patient is coordinated by the participant's own physician and HOSPICE's Patient Care Coordinator.

The team involves...                  

• PARTICIPANT'S PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN.     The Hospice Medical Director is also available for consultation. 
• NURSING STAFF.     The Hospice participant's care is coordinated by a Registered Nurse.  Intermittent nursing services are provided in the participant's home.  Licensed Nursing Personnel are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• SUPPORT SPECIALISTS.     Licensed Social Workers whose role is to assist the participant and the participant's family in identifying and meeting critical physical, personal and spiritual needs will work to individualize care for the whole person and to fortify the family support system. 
• HOME HEALTH AIDES.     Home health aides will provide assistance with skilled care and perform light housekeeping needs. 
• HOSPICE CLERGY.     Ordained clergy are available for home visits or to consult with a participant's own clergy to assit in spiritual needs.  Hospice does not discriminate against or promote a particular religion nor do Hospice ministers proselytize their personal beliefs.  Ministers are here to 'minister' to an individual's expressed concerns for his or her unmet spiritual needs. 
• BEREAVEMENT SERVICES.     Bereavement classes open to the public are available to grieving families as well as personalized, individualized counseling from our licensed bereavement specialists.  'Letters of Hope' continue to be mailed detailing the steps of grief and helping the bereaved understand the wide range of emotions they may encounter on a day-to-day basis. 
• VOLUNTEERS.  Trained Hospice volunteers are available to provide support in many areas including emotional support and respite care for families. 
• OTHER SUPPORT PERSONNEL.     Physical therapists, dietary consultants, etc. are available based on the individual participant's needs.