Vinney Hospice Services

Hospice Services/ Hospice Coverage/ Patient & Family Rights/
Volunteering/Charitable Contributions

Our Philosophy

The philosophy of hospice care is focused on preserving the quality of life. Our goal is to minimize suffering and enhance comfort through pain management and symptom control for people diagnosed with a life-limiting illness.

By tending to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of our patients and their families, we offer comfort and support when it matters most. Our hospice team members work together to provide the most beneficial care and support.

 

 

Vinney Hospice of Montefiore offers
its signature care in private homes,
at Montefiore and in other healthcare and
assisted living facilities.

 

Hospice Care Services

• Hospice nurse available 24/7
• Psychosocial and spiritual support for the patient, family members and loved ones
• Continuity of care by an interdisciplinary team of experts led by a medical director
• Bereavement counseling and support
• Personalized plan of care with the patient and family
• Integrative therapies such as art, massage, music and Reiki

Hospice Caregiver Team

• Medical Director
• Registered Nurses
• Licensed Social Workers
• Spiritual Counselors
• Home Health Aides
• Reiki Therapists
• Music Therapists
• Art Therapists
• Volunteers
• Bereavement Specialist
• Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists

How to Reach Us

A nurse is on call 24/7. Contact the hospice nurse for urgent needs such as uncontrolled pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, a significant change in the patient’s condition or questions about medication.

Our normal hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm.

Call 216.910.2650. After hours, weekends and holidays, our main number is forwarded to an answering service. The service receptionist will page the on-call nurse. After paging the nurse, please do not use your phone until the nurse calls you back.

For non-urgent needs such as questions about insurance, benefits or other administrative matters, call the hospice office at 216.910.2650 during regular business hours.

Medical Care

The hospice staff will work with you and your physician to care to provide the most appropriate care. The hospice medical director is available to provide ongoing consultation to the hospice team and primary care physician.

Nursing Care

A hospice nurse is assigned to each patient and family to oversee the total care of the patient.
This specially trained nurse will:

• Make scheduled home visits
• Make visits for urgent needs
• Work closely with your physician to control pain and other symptoms
• Teach family members and caregivers how to best take care of the patient
• Coordinate and supervise hospice home health aides
• Evaluate the home setting for safety
•  Make recommendations for durable medical equipment such as a hospital bed, oxygen, bedside commode or wheelchair

Social Services

Our hospice social workers assist patients and families with non-medical concerns, such as acting as a counselor, making assessment visit and subsequent visits as required and coordinating bereavement counseling and support. They are also available for consultation after normal business hours.

Spiritual Care

A dedicated and specially trained hospice rabbi and Christian chaplain serve our patients and families with spiritual support and guidance. They provide ongoing counseling and visitation and can coordinate with other clergy in the community.

Integrative Therapies

Music and art therapists and Reiki practitioners provide supportive care to improve symptom management by helping to create a relaxing and nurturing environment.

Volunteer Assistance

Specially trained volunteers assist the patient and family by:

• Staying with the patient when the caregiver is away for short periods or while the caregiver rests
• Running errands
• Providing companionship to the patient or caregiver
• Overseeing the “Tuck-In” program with families to ensure there are adequate medical supplies and medications
• Acting as 11th hour volunteers who stay with patient to allow the family a period of respite

Bereavement Services/Support Groups

The hospice bereavement program offers emotional and spiritual support during the grieving process. In coordination with Berkowitz Kumin Bookatz Memorial Chapel, Montefiore offers ongoing bereavement support groups to enable grieving family members to share their experiences with other people who are enduring their own personal loss.

Financial Counseling

A hospice staff member can help provide information about insurance reimbursement and application procedures for financial assistance.

Costs and Insurance

A hospice staff member will explain Medicare’s and Medicaid’s hospice benefits to you. If your private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid covers the cost of hospice care, we will bill them directly.