Avera McKennan Home Hospice Care
It is not easy to talk about the end of life, even with family members and friends. But people are responsible for communicating to others the kind of care they want at the end of life so that their wishes are honored should they face terminal illness. Early discussions about hospice and other end-of-life decisions can ease a very difficult time and provide patients a choice and a sense of control.
About Hospice Care
The end of life can be a time of enrichment, resolution and love. When life nears its end and for those who grieve, hospice care provides support for terminally ill patients and their caregivers, eases the fears associated with pain, being alone and making end-of-life choices, and enhances quality of life by supporting the whole person — mind, body and spirit.
- Helps the patient and his or her family find meaning and fulfillment at the end of life
- Helps the patient reside at home for as long as possible
- Supports the patient’s family or caregivers in providing a peaceful, secure and comfortable environment
- Manages pain and controls symptoms
- Supplements existing services
- Addresses emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and the whole family
- Focuses on quality of life and comfort, and not on life-prolonging interventions
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Dedicated Team
Hospice Care includes an inter-disciplinary team that comes together to provide comprehensive end-of-life care for patients and their families. The team includes physicians, nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors, home health aides, homemakers, nutritionists, pharmacists, physical therapists and volunteers. Team members help acquire home medical equipment, respite care, bereavement support, grief counseling and holistic care. They also can assist with the completion of advance directives.
Dr. Malone - Medical Director of Hospice Services
Avera McKennan Hospice is proud to welcome Dr. Matt Malone as its medical director. He oversees the Avera McKennan Hospice Program, including Home Hospice in Sioux Falls, Madison, Flandreau and Sibley and the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls.
View a detailed profile of Dr. Malone »
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Hospice Volunteers
Hospice care volunteers are trained and supervised to help patients and their families and are an important part of the care offered to patients. Volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, but assist patients and families through providing activities, assisting with correspondence, preparing meals and being present for the patients when family members work or run errands.
If you are interested in volunteering for hospice please call (605) 322-7715 or
e-mail us.
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Resources
Additional Hospice Resources
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization offers a wealth of resources for families, patients, and organizations. You can learn more at www.caringinfo.org.
LifeCircle South Dakota is an organization formed to help improve care at the end of life for the people of South Dakota. You can learn more at www.LifeCircleSD.org.
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