BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lee Carter	President
Joan Duke	Vice President
Leon Hernandez	Treasurer
Dorie Beach	Secretary/Social Work Director
Dennis Hart Vicki Stehn Howard D. Haynes Bonita Wilson	Members of the Board
Milou de Montferrier Ana Lilia Buendia Joanie Barcal	Emeritus Members

BOARD OF ADVISORS

Mark W. Baker

STAFF

VOLUNTEERS & PROGRAM COORDINATORS

Jim Frey & Rev. Dr. Tom Lynch		Spiritual Program Coordinators
Pat Tirkot & Jean Depperschmidt		Volunteer Program Coordinators
Romelia Velasco		Mexican Volunteers Coordinators
Pat Tirkot & Leticia Gonzalez		Bereavement Program Coordinators
Paco Fresan		Website Designer/Coordinator

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF HOSPICE STAFF
AND THE SERVICES AVAILABLE

PRIMARY PHYSICIAN
Each patient receiving care from Hospice San Miguel must have his or her own physician. This Primary Physician helps support the patient and family through the final phase of illness. He or she is best acquainted with the patient and the details of the illness, and continues to direct the patient’s care. The Primary Physician, with the assistance and input of the hospice staff, helps control symptoms, prescribe medications and assist in determining the plan of care.

MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Hospice San Miguel has a physician who serves as its Medical Director. The Medical Director participates in all patient care conferences and helps coordinate the patient’s medical care. The Medical Director is available to hospice nurses and staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for emergencies. The Medical Director interacts with the patient’s own Primary Physician, serving as a consultant for symptom control and aiding in decision-making.

NURSE CASE MANAGER
Each patient has a Nurse Case Manager who is responsible for coordinating the care for the patient and family. The Nurse Case Manager usually visits the patient 1-2 times a week, and more frequently as needed. She discusses and evaluates overall needs; makes physical assessments and pain assessments; monitors and orders medications; orders appropriate durable medical equipment; teaches the patient, family and/or caregiver about symptom control, medications, and what to expect as the patient’s condition changes. The Nurse Case Manager stays in close communication with the patient’s Primary Physician and the rest of the hospice care staff.

ON-CALL NURSE
A Nurse is always available by telephone when the hospice office is closed. The On-Call Nurse answers questions, provides support, and makes home visits as needed. A Nurse is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

SOCIAL WORKER
A Social Worker is available to provide support and/or counseling to the patient and family. Available to serve as a sounding board, the Social Worker helps with sorting out tough problems, leaving the decision in the family’s hands. The Social Worker’s responsibilities may include identifying community resources; assisting with finances, insurance, transportation, and funeral arrangements; providing educational material; organizing family meetings and serving as an advocate when necessary.

HOME HEALTH AIDE
The Home Health Aide visits 1-3 times a week depending on patient/family/caregiver need. Home Health Aides provide skilled personal care for the patient, such as: bathing assistance or complete bed baths; mouth, skin and nail care; hair washing; and shaving.

HOSPICE SPIRITUAL COUNSELORS
Hospice Spiritual Counselors provide non-judgmental, non-denominational spiritual support to patients and their families. They provide this support through: listening, life review, praying, reading Scripture and/or other spiritual writings, assisting in funeral and memorial services, and acting as a liaison with the patient’s own clergy.

VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers have completed our Hospice training course and come with a variety of talents, skills, availability and experiences. Volunteers provide relief for short periods of time (daytime, evenings, weekdays and/or weekends). They are able to help with light housekeeping chores (e.g., laundry, linen changes, dish washing, vacuuming, meal preparation, etc.), companionship, and transportation. They can run errands and do shopping, or provide relief so caregivers can take a break knowing that the patient is well cared for.

DRUGS, TREATMENTS, PROCEDURES, LAB OR X-RAY
For patients of Hospice San Miguel, the cost of medications, treatments, procedures, lab and X-Rays needed to provide comfort or diagnosis will be paid by the patient or the patient’s insurance if these items are ordered by the Primary Physician. Hospice will facilitate access to these supplies, medications and services if requested.

AT THE TIME OF DEATH
Hospice San Miguel is a phone call away at the actual time of death. Hospice staff is available, day or night, to support the family.

GRIEF/BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Hospice views grief as a normal process that can be accompanied by fear, loneliness and uncertainty. Grief services are available to all hospice family members for 12 months after the death of their loved one. Hospice San Miguel offers grief support, education and socialization through one-to-one contact, support groups and social groups. Our Bereavement Coordinator would be happy to supply more information.

HOSPICE LENDING LIBRARY
Hospice has a variety of pertinent books, tapes and videos available to the community.