Caregiving Team
To make the hospice concept a reality, a team of accomplished professional caregivers delivers hospice care. The patient care team is the heart and soul of hospice.

Once a patient is referred to Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, this group goes immediately to work, preparing a plan tailored specifically for that patient and family. This plan is developed with the guidance of a physician, and  other team members consisting of highly trained registered nurses, medical social workers, nursing assistants, bereavement counselors, chaplains, and trained volunteers.

It is important to note that the patient is also a member of this team and, in fact, is considered the head of the team.  Our role is to honor the patient’s wishes and to achieve the best possible quality of life for both the patient and the family.  

Each team member has a unique and special role.

A Physician is in charge of the patient's care and orders medicines, treatments, equipment and hospice services.  The physician may be the patient’s attending physician or the Hospice Medical Director.  If the patient resides at the Gordon Hospice House, the Hospice Medical Director becomes the attending physician.

Hospice Registered Nurses are experts in pain control and management of physical symptoms that cause distress or interfere with patient comfort. They visit on a regular basis, and work closely with the patient's physician. Hospice nurses are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Hospice Licensed Practical Nurses assist the registered nurse in pain control and management of physical symptoms.  They assist in patient visits and working with the families.
 
Hospice Medical Social Workers address social, emotional, legal, and financial issues, as well as other end of life concerns. They provide education and counseling, They know about community resources that are available in the area and will involve other agencies when beneficial.  Our social workers are skilled at listening carefully, providing emotional support to patients and caregivers alike.

Certified Nursing Assistants make regular visits as needed to the home to provide personal services for the patient, such as bathing, personal hygiene and care, bedding/linen changes, keeping the patients living area safe and sanitary, and assisting the caregivers in patient care.

Bereavement Care Counselors provide special support in dealing with grief and anticipated death. In keeping with Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County’s concept of family care, bereavement and grief counseling services are offered to any family member for a full year after the death of a loved one.

Special programs are available to churches, schools, and nursing homes upon request, and as one of many ways of giving back to the community, Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County offers ongoing Grief and Loss Support group meetings, always open to anyone at no cost, and regardless of whether or not their loved one was served by Hospice.

Hospice Chaplains are available for spiritual support and guidance.  The Hospice Chaplains respect all faiths and traditions and work closely with community clergy through visits and supportive care, when requested by the patient.  Although not affiliated with any religious organization, hospice care recognizes the tremendous importance and value in caring for the spiritual needs of the patients and caregivers.  Thus the hospice chaplains are an integral part of the care team.

Volunteers are at the heart of hospice. This special group spends valuable time with patients and caregivers, offering companionship, support, respite time for the caregivers. Volunteers provide comfort and strength in many situations – and they always have a smile to share. Volunteers who have direct contact with patients and their families receive extensive training. Volunteers may prefer to assist with office and clerical duties at the hospice office.