Your care team.
Hospice is unusual in that several different specialists are assigned to one family at the same time. Here is who each person is, what they do, and how to reach them. Use the spaces on each card to write your team's names and direct numbers.
The hospice physician oversees your medical plan — orders medications, manages symptoms, certifies you for the hospice benefit, and consults with your attending doctor. Most patients meet the hospice physician once or twice; the physician is always reachable through the nurse.
Your day-to-day point person. Visits at least twice a week — more during change. Manages pain, dresses wounds, teaches you about medications, and watches for what's coming next. The person you will talk to most.
A certified nursing assistant who comes to bathe, groom, and provide gentle hands-on care. Usually three visits a week. The aide is also a quiet companion to the patient — and often becomes a beloved part of the family.
Helps with anything not strictly medical — community resources, advance directives, family meetings, hospital bills, transportation, planning ahead. The social worker also provides counseling and grief support.