Illinois Valley Hospice

Our Team

Families who choose Illinois Valley Hospice are served by a coordinated team of professionals, specializing in a number of areas to assist patients and families. Our hospice team includes:

Medical Director

Our medical director consults with primary care physicians to coordinate care. He provides expertise and guidance in the development of the plan of care. If a patient does not have a primary care physician, or the primary physician wishes not to coordinate the patient's hospice care, our medical director is available.

Registered Nurses

Registered nurses assist patients with medical needs. Each family is assigned a primary nurse who visits patients at home. Registered nurses provide:

  • Assessment of patient and family needs
  • Assistance in the development of the plan of care
  • Pain and symptom control
  • On-going education
  • Personal care
  • Emotional support

Home Health Aides

Home health aides visit patients in the comfort of their own homes and assist with daily care needs. Visits are based on individual patient needs and preference. Home health aides:

  • Provide assistance with personal hygiene and grooming.
  • Assist with activities of daily living and light housekeeping tasks.
  • Provide emotional support.

Medical Social Workers

Medical social workers visit patients and their families at home to assist with decision-making and counseling. They are listening ears for patients and families who need guidance in difficult times or direction in dealing with personal and family issues.

Spiritual Care Coordinator

The spiritual care coordinator is available to assist patients and families with their spiritual and emotional needs. This service can be coordinated with a family's existing clergy as desired. For families with no spiritual affiliation, the spiritual care coordinator can offer spiritual support.

Trained Volunteers

Trained volunteers assist patients and families to:

  • Provide companionship, support and diversion.
  • Provide intervals of rest for caregivers.
  • Provide respite care (short breaks for caregivers and families).
  • Assist with tasks that patients and loved ones can no longer easily accomplish.
  • Provide bereavement care.

Bereavement Coordinator

The bereavement coordinator is available to help families prepare for the passing of a loved one and deal with feelings of grief after the loved one has passed. Bereavement care is an integral part of the Illinois Valley Hospice program.

Dietary

For some patients, diet is very important in enhancing quality of life. A nutritionist is available to provide dietary consultations for these patients.

Therapies

In various situations, occupational, physical and speech therapies are used to maximize quality of life for the patient as recommended by the physician.