General Services

We provide an interdisciplinary team of trained Hospice personnel to create and maintain a plan of care. The care plan is developed to meet each patient’s individual needs for pain management and symptom control. The team consists of a Medical Director, Nurses, Certified Nurse Assistants, Social Worker, Chaplain, Bereavement Coordinator, specially trained volunteers, and ancillary personnel as needed.

Hospice provides all palliative medications for the alleviation of pain and suffering. We supply the appropriate drugs to control pain, relieve nausea, promote rest, ease breathing difficulty, and minimize other distressing problems. The medications are delivered directly to the home. Filling prescriptions at the pharmacy is eliminated. Vitamins and previously used medications, not related to the terminal illness, are not covered as part of the Hospice program. Ogle County Hospice works with a specialized pharmacy. This pharmacy provides compounded drugs--medications prepared in gel form which can be rubbed into the skin if swallowing becomes difficult.

We provide all equipment to promote a safe and comfortable environment for the patient. Oxygen, walkers, wheelchairs, electric beds, air mattresses and other supplies are rented and delivered directly to the home.

Visits made by the Hospice team may include services provided by nurses, certified nursing assistants, social worker, trained volunteers, and support staff. All eligible Ogle County Hospice nurses are board certified in Hospice & Palliative Care.

The Hospice nurse will:

1. Make regular scheduled visits to check the patient
2. Take blood pressure, listen to the lungs and heart, and look at the skin condition.
3. Review the medication schedule and refill prescriptions as needed.
4. Instruct caregivers on basic care to make the patient comfortable.

A Hospice nurse is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist with any question or need.

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) will also visit on a regular schedule. The CNA will provide personal hygiene care. Bathing, washing hair, brushing teeth, giving back rubs, providing skin care, and changing bed linens will be performed by the CNA.

The Hospice social worker will spend time with each patient and family to assure that all services, for which the patient is eligible, are offered. The Hospice chaplain will provide spiritual care directly, or coordinate with other clergy for visits. Trained volunteers are available to provide companionship and assistance to support the patient and family.