Hospice
University of Chicago Medicine is a leading provider of Hospice Care. Our commitment to quality and patient safety is delivered by specially trained caregivers and clinicians. Patients who are choosing a palliative, non-curative approach to care may receive Hospice in a variety of settings.
A Team Approach
Our hospice team prioritizes the patient’s quality of life and supports the patient and their loved ones throughout the entire Hospice journey. Our team of experts work to ensure the needs of our patients are met physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually and that the patient remains comfortable in their final stage of life. Hospice care at the University of Chicago Medicine offers a multidisciplinary approach by skilled, compassionate professionals.
Primary Care Provider
The patient’s Primary Care Provider remains an important part of the patient's care while on Hospice. The Primary Care Provider and the Hospice physicians work together to coordinate the patient’s care.
Hospice Medical Director
The Hospice Medical Director oversees the clinical care delivery model. They work closely with the patient’s primary care provider throughout the entire Hospice journey and when a patient does not have a primary care provider, the Hospice Medical Director manages the patients care, along with the other hospice physicians on our team.
Hospice and Palliative Physicians
We have a team of specially trained physicians available to our patients 24/7. Our Hospice and Palliative Physicians provide expert care to patients during their Hospice journey ensuring the patient’s unique medical needs are met every step of the way.
Registered Nurses
The patient’s care is managed, in collaboration with the entire Hospice team, by RN Case Managers. The Nurse assesses the patient and delivers the clinical care necessary to meet the needs of the patient. Our nurses are experts in pain and symptom management and provide education to the family to support the patient’s needs while at home.
Hospice Aides
Hospice Aides provide personal care under the direction of a Registered Nurse. Care includes assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, oral and hair care, and repositioning.
Medical Social Workers
The Hospice Medical Social Worker in an integral part of the interdisciplinary team. The Social Worker assists families with end of life advanced care planning including advanced directives, medical power of attorney, connecting families with support networks and community resources, assisting with facility placement, as well as providing burial and crematory resources when needed.
Spiritual Counselors
The Hospice Chaplain is available to provide counsel and spiritual support for all our patients and families. The Chaplain works closely with all faith clergies at the request of the patient or family to meet their individualized needs.
Grief and Bereavement Counselor
Our patients and families receive grief support and bereavement counseling from a specially trained Licensed Clinical Social Worker experienced in counseling. Grief and bereavement services start at the time the patient is admitted to Hospice and support for the family and loved ones continue for one year after the patient has passed.
Volunteers
Our specially trained Hospice Volunteers offer support to the patients and the families in many different ways. Our volunteers can provide alternative therapies such as music, pet, and aroma therapy, provide social support at the bedside in the form of visiting with or reading to the patient, and assist with supporting the Hospice program in a multitude of ways behind-the-scenes.
Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists
Our therapy team provides care and treatment when appropriate to supports the patient in meeting their goals.
- Pain and symptom management
- Needed medications related to the terminal illness
- Medical equipment such as hospital bed and oxygen
- Medical supplies
- Education for the family on how to care for the patient
- Advanced care planning
- Grief counseling
- Bereavement support
- Spiritual support
- Bathing and grooming
- Short term relief for the caregivers
- In-patient care for acute symptom management
This is provided in the patient’s residence by our team of Hospice professionals, staff and volunteers.
Continuous Care
This is provided in the patient’s residence by our team of Hospice professionals, staff, and volunteers. However, this a more intensive level of care provided during brief periods of crisis to control unmanaged symptoms when the patient wishes to remain in their home.
In-Patient Care
This is provided in the in-patient setting for the acute management of uncontrolled symptoms when not able to be managed in the home setting. Our in-patient unit is located at the UCM Ingalls Memorial Hospital campus in Harvey, IL.
Respite Care
This is available as needed and provided in up to five-day intervals to provide short-term relief to the patient’s caregivers. Respite care is provided at our in-patient unit located at the UCM Ingalls Memorial Hospital campus in Harvey, IL.
Hospice is paid for by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance.
If there is no insurance coverage, UCM Hospice will work with the patient and their family to ensure that services can be provided.
Patients who have an end-stage disease process, generally with a life expectancy of six months or less, and are choosing comfort measures rather than life-prolonging treatment, are eligible for Hospice care. Patients and their families have the option of canceling Hospice care at any time if a condition improves, or if other choices are desired.