Gulfside Hospice Guide

Your Care Team

Here to help you and your family.

Gulfside Hospice services are provided by our interdisciplinary care team. Because illness affects much more than physical health alone, our care team is made up of experts with a variety of backgrounds, training, and skills.

Together, you and your team will decide who visits and how often. All the members of your team share responsibility for providing you with the highest quality care.

If you would like to add any services listed here to your plan of care or have any questions, please call 800-561-4883 or speak to one of your care team members. 

 
Patient Care

Nurse Practitioners & Physicians

Nurse practitioners and physicians are valued members of your hospice care team. The Gulfside medical staff meet regularly to discuss each care plan and provide updates on each patient. They can also collaborate with your community physician to individualize your plan of care. They will work closely with the rest of your hospice care team to:

  • Provide treatment options
  • Prevent complications
  • Manage pain and symptoms
  • Monitor changes related to the illness
 
Caregiver Support

The Caregiver Support Services Program acknowledges the inherent difficulties of caring for others, especially at the end-of-life. The program’s primary purpose is to identify and address the challenging tasks and psychosocial needs that caregivers face during this crucial time and provide essential support to all caregivers. The program’s various components are accessible to every caregiver and ensure that any training, education, or support needed is provided to caregivers to assist in their caregiving journey.

 
Volunteer Services

Hospice Care, focused on enhancing quality of life for individuals with terminal illnesses, is a deeply compassionate field that relies heavily on the dedication and kindness of volunteers. Although they cannot provide hands-on care, these selfless individuals play an essential role in providing emotional support, companionship, and practical assistance to hospice patients during their final journey and contribute to enhancing the quality of life for patients and their loved ones. By contributing their time, skills, and empathy, volunteers can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and families in several ways, including: 

  1. Emotional Support: Planning a funeral before death is a thoughtful and considerate step for both patients and caregivers. It allows individuals to express their final wishes clearly, reducing stress and uncertainty for loved ones during a difficult time. By making these plans in advance, patients can ensure their preferences are honored and caregivers can focus on providing emotional support and comfort, rather than navigating complex decisions. Pre-planning also offers an opportunity to discuss and align on any specific desires or traditions, creating a meaningful and respectful farewell that reflects the individual’s life and values.  Hospice staff, particularly the Hospice Chaplain, can talk with you more about this.  A funeral home list is also available in your admission packet to guide you.

  2. Companionship and Meaningful Interaction: Volunteers can bridge the gap of isolation by spending time with patients, engaging in conversations, visiting with one of our pet volunteers, playing games, or simply being there to listen. These interactions offer patients a sense of normalcy and human connection while promoting a positive atmosphere and reducing feelings of anxiety or despair. 

  3. Respite for Caregivers: Hospice caregivers, often family members, dedicate themselves to the wellbeing of their loved ones. Volunteers offer much needed respite and relief by staying with patients to allow caregivers to take a break, attend to personal matters, or simply to recharge. This support is essential for maintaining the physical and emotional health of caregivers. 

  4. Creative Expression and Legacy Building: Many volunteers engage patients in creative activities such as painting, music, writing, or crafting. These activities provide an outlet for patients to express their emotions, leave behind a legacy, or explore newfound talents. The tangible creations also serve as cherished mementos for families, reminding them of their loved one’s creativity and spirit.

  5. Enhancing Quality of Life: Volunteers help patients find joy and comfort in their final moments. Reading a favorite book, sharing memories, watching a beloved movie, or just being a comforting presence contributes to an improved quality of life amid challenging circumstances.

The bonds formed between volunteers, hospice patients, and their caregivers often leave a lasting impact on both parties. Patients find comfort and solace in the companionship while volunteers gain a deeper satisfaction for life, empathy, and the power of human connection. The choice to contribute time and care to those in need is a gift that transcends medical boundaries and touches the heart.

Volunteers truly are the heart and soul of hospice care. If you are interested in receiving volunteer support, talk with your Team Social Worker. They will gather essential information to understand your needs and assist the Volunteer Department in identifying an ideal volunteer-patient match tailored just for you.

The Caregiver's Role

Caregivers play a vital role in providing compassionate, end-of-life care to patients. Caregivers help create a supportive environment which allows patients to focus on what matters most—spending meaningful time with loved ones and experiencing a dignified end-of-life journey. Caregivers of hospice patients have a range of important tasks that ensure comfort, support, and dignity during end-of-life care.  Here are some of the responsibilities most caregivers have: