Our Hospice Team

When a patient first enters hospice, members of the Circle of Life team visit the patient and family to learn their needs. Hospice team members make regular follow-up visits based on the care plan that the patient, family, and hospice team establish together.

The Circle of Life doctor will work with the patient’s community doctor to manage pain or other symptoms. If necessary, the Circle of Life Hospice doctor will visit a patient’s home.

Circle of Life RN nurses visit patients regularly to see how they are doing, teach caregivers how to take care of their loved ones, and answer medical questions that arise. They assist in coordinating the care and contact the physician frequently to help manage symptoms for comfort.

Circle of Life social workers help patients and families learn coping skills and ways to keep patients comfortable in their homes. They also help patients and families formulate goals of care, provide resources through referrals, and assist patients and families in identifying needs and accomplishing their end of life wishes.

Circle of Life spiritual counselors – chaplains – are available to talk (or just listen) about any personal or spiritual concerns. These may or may not be religious discussions. Our chaplains help people find comfort and answers within their own beliefs. Chaplains offer spiritual and emotional support to people of any faith background, or no faith background.

All of our hospice aides are licensed, certified Nursing Assistants who have passed a state certification exam and have experience in hospice care. Hospice Aides visit patients periodically according to their physical needs to help with things such as bathing and dressing.

Circle of Life volunteers can help patients and families in a variety of ways. They can do things such as sitting with patients so caregivers can take a break (respite care), running errands for the busy caregiver, or helping patients and families with creating special memoirs. Volunteers are required to attend ongoing training during the year and have completed an extensive training upon orientation to Circle of Life.