Your interdisciplinary team collaborates closely with you, your family, and each other to provide you with the best care possible. Team members are responsible for regular contact and sharing vital patient information with other appropriate hospice team members to give you and your family comprehensive, well-coordinated care.

The concept of an interdisciplinary team is unique to hospice care and essential to the comprehensive care of terminally ill patients. Each patient's and family's treatment plan is tailored to their condition's individual nature and progression. Different team members will be utilized depending on the patient's and their family's needs.

The Primary team may include the following:

• Doctors: Hospice doctors are typically trained in palliative, specialized medical care that focuses on relieving suffering and improving the quality of life for people with serious illnesses.
• Nurses: Hospice nurses provide medical care and emotional support to patients and their families. They may also work with doctors to create and implement a care plan.
• Social workers: Hospice social workers provide emotional and practical support to patients and their families. They can help with financial assistance, housing, and end-of-life planning.
• Chaplains: Hospice chaplains offer spiritual support to patients and their families. They can provide counseling, prayer, and other spiritual care as needed.
• Home health aides: Aides provide personal care, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, to patients who cannot do these tasks independently.
• Volunteers: Hospice volunteers provide a range of services, including companionship, transportation, and support for patients and their families.
• Bereavement counselors: Bereavement counselors can provide support and guidance to patients and their families as they cope with grief and loss.

Optional Team Members:

• Physical therapists can assist patients in maintaining or enhancing their physical function, mobility, and quality of life.
• Occupational therapists can assist patients with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and preparing meals.
• Speech therapists can assist patients with trouble speaking or swallowing due to their condition.
• Dietitians can assist patients and their families in making dietary decisions that satisfy the patient's nutritional requirements.
• Massage therapists can deliver comfort and relaxation through touch.
• Music therapists can utilize music as a therapeutic tool to assist patients in coping with physical, emotional, and spiritual problems.

Overall, the hospice team collaborates to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient and their family. The team members may vary based on the patient's needs and preferences.

impathi 2023