Tom enjoyed his hospice visits. They always treated him as an individual,
laughing and talking with him. He had lots of stories to tell, and
they enjoyed listening to him.
Mary, beloved wife of a former Casa patient
An interdisciplinary team of Casa de la Luz Hospice professionals and
volunteers provides hospice care. This team forms a community of care,
with patients and their loved ones at its center. Casa team members
meet with patients and families and continue to make scheduled visits
according to their needs and plan of care. Our hospice care is available,
24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Attending Physician and the Hospice Medical Director
Together, the attending physician and
the hospice medical director determine whether an individual is medically
eligible to receive hospice care. The hospice medical director is available
to supplement the attending physician's care with specialized medical
expertise, and routinely directs and approves the care provided by the
hospice team.
The Nurse Case Manager
The primary hospice nurse is a licensed
and skilled professional who specializes in end-of-life care. The nurse
works with patients and their caregivers to identify their goals and
to develop a plan of care. S/he serves as a skilled and compassionate
guide and teacher. S/he will provide for physical care, necessary medications
and equipment, and instruction to caregivers. S/he maintains close contact
with the attending physician, the hospice medical director, and other
Casa team members.
Nine Casa
de La Luz Hospice RN's passed the national exam and received the
valued Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN). Agnes
Poore, Patient Services Director is recognizing this achievement
in a special ceremony. |
The Home Health Aide
The home health aide specializes in end-of-life
care and provides personal assistance that is sensitive to individual
physical needs and concerns. The aide is available to teach patients
and caregivers about comfort care and physical safety, and is often
a source of emotional support.
The Social Worker
The social worker is skilled in end-of-life
planning as well as individual and family counseling. Soon after a patient
is admitted to hospice care, s/he meets with them and their caregivers
to learn how s/he can assist with practical and emotional concerns.
The social worker serves as a direct link to many helpful community
resources. S/he works in collaboration with the spiritual counselor
to provide emotional support and counseling to individuals, family members,
children, friends, and caregivers.
The Spiritual Counselor
Casa de la Luz Hospice honors the diversity
of faith traditions and spiritual beliefs of those we serve. The spiritual
counselor may join with patients and their loved ones as a trusted companion,
inviting positive spiritual exploration, comfort, and growth. S/he may
serve as a resource, connecting individuals to the faith community of
their choice. As desired, the spiritual counselor may offer sacrament,
scripture reading, and prayer. S/he is available to help plan and/or
officiate at memorial services. S/he works closely with the social worker
to provide emotional support and counseling to individuals, family members,
children, friends, and caregivers.
The Volunteer Coordinator and Volunteers.
Each Casa volunteer has successfully completed
a specialized end-of-life training program and is selected, supervised,
and supported by the volunteer coordinator. Casa volunteers provide
companionship and support, respite for family members, and other practical,
non-medical services. Some lend their professional expertise within
our complimentary therapies program. They each bring unique gifts to
those they serve. The volunteer coordinator serves as a liaison for
this valued service.
The Therapist and Dietician
These therapists offer services aimed
toward safety and comfort. Therapies may include relaxation and energy
conservation training, services for speech and swallowing problems,
and nutrition and dietary counseling.
The Bereavement Coordinator
In keeping with our promise to care for
patients and their loved ones, Casa provides bereavement services for
thirteen months after the death of an individual in our care. The bereavement
coordinator may serve as a caring companion throughout the healing journey
of grief, providing individual and group bereavement counseling, and
information regarding other bereavement services. In addition, Casa
offers bereavement support groups, open to all bereaved members of the
Tucson community, regardless of when the loss occurred. A mailing series
helps maintain our contact and support. Twice a year, Casa de la Luz
Hospice holds a Celebration of Life memorial honoring those who have
lived and died in our care.
The Administrative Support Staff
During office hours callers are greeted
by a member of our administrative support staff. They link patients
and caregivers to their hospice team members by phone, or page. As required,
the patient services supervisor is available to assess needs immediately
by phone. S/he is an experienced hospice nurse. After office hours,
our answering service responds to all calls and as needed, immediately
contacts the Casa on-call staff.
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