THE HOSPICE
TEAM

A registered nurse (RN) is always assigned to manage the patient’s care and visits as often as necessary to provide care, listen, and teach. The RN is responsible for coordinating all patient services, and a nurse is always available 24 hours a day. The nurse provides medical care, administers medications, assesses changing needs, educates caregivers, provides emotional support to the patient and family, and serves as a direct line of communication between the family and the hospice team.

Hospice Aides are certified nursing assistants who provide personal care to the patient, such as bathing, dressing, and mouth care. They are available to ease the burden on family caregivers by participating in activities such as light housekeeping.

Hospice social workers help families cope with emotional, financial, and legal issues. If needed, and with your consent, social workers can coordinate with neighbors, church programs, and community agencies for help. They explore and connect patients and families with essential community resources and provide counseling services for individuals and families. They can also help patients communicate their feelings and concerns to family members and friends. Social workers may also help with advanced directives, living wills, and other healthcare information such as power of attorney.

Solaris Chaplains come from many religious traditions and backgrounds and respect the spiritual or religious belief and tradition of every patient and family. They provide spiritual care – helping the patient find meaning and helping families with the process of grieving and healing. The Chaplain can also assist with funeral preparations and facilitate visits from other local clergy should the patient and family desire. Many patients often request for their Solaris Chaplain to officiate their funeral service. Solaris Chaplains also provide grief and bereavement support for the family for up to a year after the patient has passed.

The bereavement specialist addresses both anticipatory grief and loss after death. Hospice families receive bereavement support up to 13 months after a death, including consistent contact, support groups, grief education, and one-on-one visits. Solaris is always available to those who’ve experienced the death of a loved one.

Hospice volunteers are men and women of all ages with many skills and talents. Our caring volunteers give freely of their time and are available to assist patients and families in many ways, such as visiting with the patient to provide a break for a caregiver, running an errand, reading to the patient, simple household chores, mowing a lawn, and much more. Solaris volunteers are assigned when available.