Different levels of care are offered to meet the varying needs of our patients and their families, regardless of where services are provided—wherever the patient calls home.

Home Care
Working closely with the patient and his or her family, the hospice team develops a care plan that focuses on the patient’s well being and the need for pain management and symptom control. The plan outlines the medical equipment, tests, procedures, medication and treatment necessary to provide high quality comfort care. A member of the hospice team makes regular visits to assess the patient and provide additional care or other services.

Continuous Care
If there is a brief, acute episode that requires additional care to manage pain or acute medical symptoms, nursing care can be provided on a 24-hour continuous basis to maintain the patient at home.

Inpatient Care
Patients may be admitted for pain to Hospice House or to a participating hospital inpatient hospice care unit.

Respite Care
Up to five days of respite care are offered to caregivers who need a break from the many demands of providing daily care.

SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS

Heart/Lung
Almost 20% of Hospice of the Western Reserve patients have end-stage cardiac and pulmonary disease.  We respond to the unique, end-of-life care needs of these patients and their families to prevent crisis during the disease process.
Patient and Family Guide Cardiopulmonary Disease

Dementia
Dementia varies greatly from person to person, but Hospice of the Western Reserve is experienced in managing dementia and supporting caregivers.

AIDS
We meet the special needs of our AIDS patients, caregivers and families.

Pediatric Care
Our Pediatric Palliative Care Program focuses on the needs of seriously ill children and their families, providing the full complement of hospice/palliative services.

Veterans
Hospice of the Western Reserve launced the Peaceful & Proud Initiative at a community event on November 15, 2007 at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Click here to view the introduction by Jane Van Bergen, Director of Communications and Public Relations, and remarks about the initiative from Beth Schindler, Co-Chair of the veterans committee. 

Through our Peaceful & Proud initiative, staff members of Hospice of the Western Reserve receive education about post-traumatic stress disorder, remorse and regret related to military service, substance abuse, and how the unique experiences of veterans shape their end-of-life preferences.

Combat Veterans Face Traumatic Memories of Death and Dying. Click here to read a hospice volunteer's story.

Ethical Wills Stir Memories for Patients with Dementia.  Click here to read an example of an ethical will.

Life Closure Activities: The Heart of Hospice. Click here to read an example.