In Fredericksburg, Virginia there is a choice when it comes to selecting a hospice care provider.

 Many people are not aware that there are 4 medical based hospices offering services in this region. Medi Hospice has been in operation for 11 years and is well established in Fredericksburg and the surrounding counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, Westmoreland, Caroline, Orange and Fauquier. 

If you or a loved one is referred to hospice services please ask your doctor to give you a choice. America is a land where a great deal of value is placed on ‘choice’. We want to choose our doctors and our hospitals. We want to choose which lab to have our tests in. It makes sense that we would have the opportunity to choose which hospice journeys with us toward our end of life.

If you would like to consider all your hospice options please ask your primary physician to provide the information that you need to make a decision. You are entitled to choose Medi Hospice even if your doctor does not ‘suggest’ us. A simple phone call to our office and we will contact your physician on your behalf to begin the process of admitting you OR YOUR LOVED ONE to Medi Hospice.

CALL 540-361-7696

 

 This recent letter to the editor was published in

Fredericksburg’s Free Lance- Star

Heartfields, Medi Home Hospice really cared…

With all the worries, uncertainties, and changes in this world, there is one group of dedicated people who have remained a constant source of comfort.

I am the proud daughter of Alex Palenscar. My dad was a resident at Heartfields Assisted Living for the past 16 months. He died on March 4.

Never in my life have I felt such an outpouring of love, concern, and kindness as I got from the staff at Heartfields, and also from Medi Home Health and Hospice. Not only did they take care of my Dad, but they also took care of me when I needed it most.

Thank you, Heartfields and Medi Home Health and Hospice. I will never forget you!

Mimi Marshall

Stafford

Date published: 3/14/2012

 

Medi Home Hospice is about helping an individual and their family share the best days possible as they deal with a life-limiting illness. It’s about adding quality of life, and helping you live those days as you choose. Our hospice care services provide a specialized program of care provided for patients and their families who are facing life-limiting illnesses.  This specialized program and the care you receive is coordinated by a team of professionals. Our hospice team consists of:

v  Patients' Personal Physicians

v  Registered Nurses

v  Home Health Aides

v  Social Workers

v  Chaplains

v  Bereavement Coordinators

v  Trained Volunteers

v  Speech, Physical, and Occupational Therapists

How is hospice care provided?

Hospice is provided by a special team of caregivers chosen to meet the unique needs of you and your family.  A nurse provides care and instructions on medications, assess symptoms, and communicate with your physician. A social worker assesses resource needs and provides support to you and your family.  A home health aide provides personal care and some homemaker services. A volunteer can offer companionship, run errands, or even just sit and read to you. A chaplain is available for spiritual support if desired.

How much does it cost? Who pays for hospice?

Medicare, Medicaid and VA benefits pay for hospice care with no cost to you or your family. Most private insurance companies also cover hospice services.  We provide care to all individuals who qualify for hospice regardless of their ability to pay for care.  The hospice benefit pays for items related to your hospice diagnoses such as medications, oxygen medical supplies and equipment (i.e. hospital beds, wheel chairs and bedside commodes).

Is hospice just for people with cancer?

Hospice can serve anyone who is in the end stages of a life-limiting illness such as heart failure, lung disease, liver failure, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, AIDS, ALS — or if there is a sudden decline in health with no specific reason. If you are tired of taking trips to the hospital, have chosen not to pursue treatment, or your doctor has exhausted all options for a cure, you may qualify for help from hospice care.

Where can hospice take care of me?

Hospice takes care of you in the comfort of your home. Hospice can also care for you in a personal care home, assisted living facility, in the hospital (under special arrangements) or in a nursing home.

What if I change my mind?

The decision to receive care from hospice is yours.  You have the right to discontinue hospice at any time, or change to another type of care. You also have the right to choose the hospice agency you prefer.

Will my doctor still be my doctor?

Yes, your doctor will still be directing your care.  We also have a medical director on staff that is available for consultation.  Providing quality care to you and your loved ones is our #1 goal. We value the trust our patients, families and physicians have in our staff.

Can I still go to the hospital?

Yes, you can return to the hospital for care.  Hospice will assist in making the transition as smooth as possible.

What support is offered to my loved ones?

Hospice will continue to provide support to your family through mailings and phone calls to see how they are doing. A grief counselor is available to provide individual counseling and support if needed.  

How can I receive hospice services?

A phone call to our office from you or your family will start the process.  We will be glad to talk with you about your needs and how hospice can help. A doctor’s order is required before services can be started. We will be glad to call your doctor and make these arrangements for you.

 If a doctor recommends hospice for you or a loved one, ask about

Medi Hospice.

We are here to serve you, providing high quality medical care as well as loving compassionate  volunteers to support you.

Remember you have a CHOICE! 

If after reading this you would like to become a part of the hospice movement for life, we would welcome you as a hospice volunteer.

               

Call the Volunteer Coordinator

Medi Hospice Volunteer Department

540-361-7696

Chaplains are invaluable to the Hospice Team: Are you a person with a ministerial background?

Part time Chaplain Position Available

Our hospice is currently seeking to add a part time Chaplain to our team of wonderful caregivers. The Chaplain would be a part of the Medi Hospice Manassas office and would minister to our patients in the Northern Virginia area. As a member of the interdisciplinary team the Chaplain is responsible for the provision of spiritual support to patients and families in keeping with the patient/family’s desire and belief system. Additionally they would be responsible for implementing and coordinating all activities relating to the spiritual aspect of the patient care program (the spiritual component of the interdisciplinary team consistent with agency policies and procedures).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHAPLAIN INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

· Provides direct spiritual support to patients/families.

· Works with staff, clergy, and community groups to enhance their sensitivity to the spiritual concerns of patients/families experiencing terminal illness and loss.

· Participates in patient conference by exploring and assessing the potential spiritual needs of patients/families and reporting on services as indicated.

· Provides bereavement follow-up services as defined in procedure.

· Makes contact with clergy or appropriate representatives or patients/families as indicated.

· Develops and maintain a resource group of clergy to whom specific aspects of spiritual care may be delegated.

· Arranges for on-call availability of chaplain services.

· Ensures compliance with State and Federal regulations.

· Develops a spiritual plan of care.

· Other assignments as may be appropriate.

DEGREE OF TRAVEL, DISRUPTION TO ROUTINE, OVERTIME

· Office meetings, patient visitation and frequent travel while promoting community awareness.
· Must have reliable transportation and agency-required liability insurance.
· Moderate disruption to routine. Occasional after hour’s meetings.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Ecumenical by Ayabi

· Graduate of accredited seminary or school of theology, or appropriate certification in hospital or pastoral ministry.

· Ability to be open, flexible and ecumenical.

· Experience in working with patients/families dealing with life threatening illness and death.

· Valid Driver’s license

· Ability to read and interpret documents. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of physicians, physician’s staff, clients and employees of the organization.

· Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra.

· Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret and deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The physical demands/work environments of this job are listed on a separate, attached page. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


This organization reserves the right to revise or add to your duties as the need arises. This list may not include the entire job duties you may be asked to perform, but identifies the primary essential functions of your job.


This job description does not constitute nor should it be interpreted to create a written or implied contract of employment.

If you are a training clergyman, minister or chaplain would you consider this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who are on their last journey? Please email  sscherrer@msa-corp.com and find out how you can join our hospice team!

Hospice volunteers are also valued and honored as important contributors to our hospice ministry. Although my focus today was not on volunteering in hospice, I am still a Volunteer Coordinator who desires to offer compassionate, caring people the opportunity to befriend and comfort those of our patients in need of friendly, companionable visitors. 

Contact the Medi Hospice Volunteer Department@540-361-7696 if you would like to know more about becoming a hospice volunteer!