Patient Care

Since 1982, we have cared for nearly 15,000 seriously ill patients, their families and loved ones. Our staff of professionals and trained volunteers provide a full range of services to patients and their families and includes: A Team of Specialists - Focused on You.

Medical Director and Hospice Physicians

Experienced Board Certified specialists with practices in family practice, internal medicine and geriatrics, our Medical Directors and Hospice Physicians approve patients for admission to our program, participate in team meetings to guide and direct care teams and recertify patients for continued hospice care. They are available to consult with physicians in the community and to visit our patients as needed.

Patient's Attending Physician

Physician refers appropriate patients to Hospice of Huntington, oversees their patient's Hospice Plan of Care and is responsible for initial and follow-up orders for care. He/she works closely with the hospice physicians and RNs.

Registered Nurses

RNs make regular visits to the patient. They coordinate hospice services and provide skilled care. Nurses are responsible for the patient's comfort, managing medication, educating family members and keeping them informed, obtaining supplies and medical equipment, and calling in other Hospice of Huntington specialists as needed. They work with the physician and family to anticipate needs, provide ongoing assesments and respond to changing needs. They supervise Licensed Practical Nurses or Certified Nursing Assistants.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

LPNs provide skilled nursing care, such as changing dressings, and assist with personal care and activities of daily living. They also provide extensive caregiver education and guidance, especially during the first few days of the hospice experience. Their practical instruction in proven caregiving methods helps those taking care of a patient to feel less anxious and better equipped to keep their loved ones comfortable when Hospice of Huntington staff is not in their home.

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)

CNAs assist with personal care, such as bathing, shaving and dressing, and other activities of daily living. They may assist with meal preparation, change patient bed linens and wash patient's laundry in the patient's home.

On-Call Nurses (RNs)

Primary on-call nurses are available to address patient/family/caregiver problems or concerns 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Social Workers

Social Workers provide counseling and support to help people cope with challenges and emotions that often arise at the end of life. They can acquaint patients and families with supportive resources available through Hospice of Huntington and their local communities; help answer insurance questions and offer assistance with Advance Directives.

Spiritual Support

Spiritual Support is available to offer spiritual support and guidance, prayer and counseling that is culturally sensitive and non-denominational with respect for all faiths. They also help patients maintain or reconnect their ties to religious communities if requested.

Grief Counselors

Hospice of Huntington grief counselors are trained professionals who offer bereavement counseling and coordinate services for individuals and families who are coping with or anticipating the loss of a loved one.

Patient & Family Support Volunteers

These specially trained volunteers offer companionship, assistance and relief for caregivers. Family support volunteers visit during scheduled periods.

Consultants

The patient's plan of care may also indicate the use of consultants such as dieticians, pharmacists, physical, speech and occupational therapists for purposes of comfort and symptom management.