Alexian Brothers Hospice Team

The Hospice Team includes the patient, the support system/family, and the healthcare professionals involved with the patient’s care.   

View a diagram of our team.

• Primary Physician- The patient’s primary physician usually certifies that the patient is eligible for hospice services, as they are most familiar with the patient’s physical condition.  This physician continues to be involved with the patient, working with the hospice team regarding symptom management and plan of care.
• Medical Director- The Hospice Medical Director is a resource to other team members, management staff, and is available to the primary physician to support the management of the patient’s needs.
• On Call Staff – Registered nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to triage phone calls from patients and family members.  Hospice staff is available to make home visits ‘after hours’ when deemed necessary to manage a patient’s care.
• Nurse Case Manager- The primary nurse is involved with the management of the patient’s physical symptoms and needs. This nurse works closely with the primary physician, other hospice personnel and the patient and family to support the patient’s goals.
• Certified Hospice Aide- The hospice aide provides direct personal care to the patient, under the direction of the RN Case Manager.  This often includes assisting the patient with bathing and dressing, which is often a great support to family caregivers.
• Social Worker- The social worker assists the patient and family by assessing needs for community referrals, financial needs, and legal issues. Often, the social worker works with the patient and family to open communication, and offers emotional support regarding the adjustment to the prognosis, and current and future life changes.
• Chaplain-This nondenominational chaplain is available to assist patients and families with liaison to community clergy, as well as offering spiritual/pastoral support to the patient and family members as they adjust to the prognosis and subsequent life changes.
• Volunteers- Specially trained individuals who embody the “heart of hospice,” volunteers are available to assist the patient and family in many ways: running errands, providing short respite periods for caregivers, offering companionship to the patient, light housekeeping and possibly meal preparation.  Volunteers may also offer support throughout the bereavement period through phone calls and visits.
• Grief Counselors- Our bereavement department follows our families for at least 13 months after the death.  Grief counselors are available to offer support and education to families, as well as staff, about the grief process, offer short term counseling, and provide referrals to other agencies, as needed.