At Carilion Clinic Hospice our goal is to support every person in fulfilling the final steps in life. We strive to recognize each person’s unique needs and tailor our services accordingly. Our services are available to the entire family throughout the bereavement period.
Hospice provides:
- Supportive, palliative care by an interdisciplinary team
- Scheduled visits and 24-hour on-call nursing support
- Expert symptom control emphasizing pain management
- Help in maintaining as much control over the circumstances of the illness as possible
- Guidance for families on how to care for loved ones at home
- A supportive alternative environment when home care is not possible
- Emotional and spiritual care as desired
- Community-wide education and consultation programs for patients, families and healthcare providers
- Bereavement support for families for at least one year following loss of the patient
Palliative Care
Palliative care is best understood as “comfort care.” We help minimize pain and discomfort while maintaining the highest possible quality of life for each patient. We provide not only medical intervention, but also emotional and spiritual support and guidance. We can help with:
- Pain and physical symptoms like fatigue, nausea, constipation, poor sleep, loss of appetite and weight loss
- Emotional issues including depression and anxiety
- Medical decisions to respect individual goals and beliefs
- Advance directives (documents that record patient choices for life support and appoint a decision-maker who takes responsibility if patients become unable to choose for themselves)
- Preparation for the details associated with the end of life
- Dealing with complicated feelings
- Finding ways to feel better
Complementary Therapies
Patient comfort is our primary consideration. We use traditional pain and stress relief techniques. We also offer a variety of less conventional therapies. Physically, these techniques promote comfort, reduce stress, and encourage relaxation. Emotionally, they improve inner peace and cultivate a stronger sense of purpose.
Complementary therapies may include:
- Massage
- Therapeutic touch
- Reiki
- Music therapy
- Pet therapy
- Guided imagery
- Aromatherapy
- Art therapy
- Reflexology
- Hypnotherapy
- Humor therapy
- Yoga exercises
- Arts and crafts
Bridge to Caring Hands
Caring for a loved one through the end-of-life journey can be deeply meaningful. We’re here to help with education and training so you can learn how to provide the caretaking tasks that will make your family member comfortable.
Pet Peace of Mind
Carilion volunteers are available to help hospice patients care for their pets, offering assistance with feeding and walking and making other pet care arrangements as needed.
Pediatric Care
We understand that nearing the end of life with a child is likely the hardest struggle any family will face.
Each child is special, and each situation is unique. Our care plans consider not only on a child’s medical diagnosis but also the child’s age, physical, and social development. We work hand in hand with the Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital, pediatric specialty clinics, and the child’s family physician.
Our efforts encourage a high quality of family life because every moment spent together is invaluable.
Partners in Care
When a patient is newly diagnosed with a serious illness, the first goal is typically trying to find a cure. Sometimes, however, the stage of the disease or a particular person’s response to treatment makes it necessary to redirect that focus.
Carilion Clinic's Partners in Care program is here to provide support for patients and families dealing with life- limiting illness.
Bereavement
It’s hard to know what to do with your memories when a person you love passes on. It’s common to feel depressed and to lose the will to carry on normal activities or, in other cases, to try to lose yourself by staying busy so you won’t have to face your grief.
We’re here to help families through the extended period following a loss. We can provide assistance by planning memorial services, attending the funeral, offering one-on-one family counseling, and making home visits. Bereavement support is available for at least one year following the loss of the patient.
Journey of Hope Support Groups
Coordinated by caring hospice professionals, the Journey of Hope support group brings together people who have lost loved ones. Groups meet at scheduled times in each of our hospice communities. Carilion's goal is to offer support, guidance, and understanding to help you cope with your loss.
For more information, contact the hospice location in your community.
Special Counseling
Educational presentations on topics are held throughout the year (for example: "Coping with Grief during the Holidays"). These may be scheduled in the workplace or at a school by request.
Special counseling sessions or support groups may be scheduled on job sites or at school locations when there has been a loss.
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