Care Team

Our Interdisciplinary Team Approach to Patient Care

The Hospice of Baton Rouge health-care professionals and trained volunteers assist our patients and their caregivers in developing the best plan of care for their needs.

Registered Nurses

Our nurses make regularly scheduled visits to help relieve physical discomfort and follow through on the medical orders given by the patient’s physician. The nurse will explain the progression of the disease, describing what to expect and how best to cope with each day and will teach family members how to provide physical care. The hospice nurse is available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency visits. After office hours, the answering service will take your message. Patient related calls are given to the call nurse for an immediate response.

Home Health Aides

The main role of the home health aide is to assist in maintaining a safe, healthy environment for patients. The aide provides care to the patient in order to increase the level of comfort and maintain personal hygiene of the patient. The aide also provides temporary respite and relief to the patient’s family. The home health aide works in conjunction with the nurse to report significant changes in the patient’s condition.

Social Workers

Our Social Workers make regularly scheduled visits providing the needed emotional support for the patient, the caregiver and family members. This support includes providing information and guidance on any of the particular end-of-life care issues the patient and loved ones may be facing.

Chaplains

Our chaplains provide pastoral care to the patient and his/her family. The chaplains work with the patient and the family helping to address spiritual issues and are available for counseling after the death of the patient. The chaplains also conduct funeral or memorial services when requested.

Volunteers

Our hospice volunteers are an integral part of the hospice interdisciplinary team. They provide patient and family-oriented services and are assigned to work with individual families from time of admission through bereavement. Volunteers are also utilized in non-patient care services including administrative, clerical, and fund-raising capacities.

Bereavement Support

The Bereavement Program administers bereavement support. Each family is followed in the bereavement support program for 13 months following the death of the patient. This service includes cards, letters, phone calls, visits, and support groups.

Additional Help

Trained professionals can provide physical, occupational, and/or nutritional therapy when it is part of the patient's plan of care.