Navigating hospice for the first time can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what to expect. But understanding who may be part of your loved one’s hospice care team can offer a sense of comfort. That’s why it helps to know the core team members who will be there to support your loved one on their hospice journey. 

Each team member plays a vital role in providing compassionate and personalized support that aligns with your loved one’s end-of-life care plan. 

In this blog, we’ll provide an overview of some of the key roles on the hospice care team.

Registered Nurses (RNs) 

Registered nurses are another critical part of your loved one’s hospice team. RNs provide compassionate, hands-on care focused on relieving symptoms, managing pain, and ensuring overall comfort.

They work closely with other team members to coordinate treatment in alignment with the individualized care plan. Because they’re involved in daily visits and check-ins, your loved one’s hospice nurse will quickly become a familiar, trusted presence.

In addition to medical support, RNs also offer guidance to families, answering questions and helping them feel more confident throughout the hospice journey.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

Licensed Practical Nurses play a key role in caring for your loved one. Their primary duty is to assist the RN as needed and provide follow-up care, including managing symptoms, to keep your loved one feeling comfortable.

LPNs are often part of the day-to-day care team, offering consistency, support, and a familiar presence for both patients and families.

Physicians 

Physicians play a vital role on the hospice care team. Their primary responsibility is to oversee your loved one’s medical care and lead the rest of the team in delivering compassionate care.

They also collaborate closely with your loved one’s existing doctors and specialists to ensure their care plan aligns with their needs, values, and goals. 

As conditions change, physicians adjust treatments to keep your loved one as comfortable as possible.

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) 

Nurse Practitioners are essential to your loved one’s hospice care team. Some of their responsibilities include monitoring patients’ current conditions, collaborating with other physicians on their team, and regularly visiting patients. 

Their medical expertise and ongoing support through your loved one’s hospice care journey provide comfort, guidance, and peace of mind for both patients and families. 

Bereavement Coordinators

At Northern Illinois Hospice, we understand how challenging it can be to witness a loved one navigating the end-of-life journey and experience the death of a loved one close to you. Our Bereavement Coordinators provide invaluable, compassionate support to help you through your grief journey.

Our bereavement services are available for up to thirteen months after the death of your loved one. Your experience can be tailored to your needs in a group setting or one-on-one.

Having a dedicated Bereavement Coordinator as part of the care team ensures your family receives ongoing care, guidance, and emotional support during this time.

Chaplains 

Chaplains are always available to support your loved one emotionally and spiritually, regardless of their spiritual beliefs or background. Anyone in hospice can benefit from spending time with them. 

They help collaborate with the rest of the care team to ensure your loved one’s spiritual needs are met. 

Whether your loved one is seeking peace, connection, or simply someone to listen, chaplains offer a comforting and steady presence during a difficult time.

Volunteers 

Volunteers are a meaningful part of the hospice experience and a valuable support to both patients and families. Their primary role is to provide companionship, offering a comforting presence to your loved one through conversation, activities, or simply being present. 

Volunteers can also offer respite for caregivers, giving family members a chance to rest and recharge. Many volunteers also receive specialized training to help improve the comfort and quality of life for your family members. 

Northern Illinois Hospice is here to provide compassionate end-of-life care 

At Northern Illinois Hospice, we understand that every hospice journey is unique, which is why each care plan is tailored to the person’s goals and wishes. We take that information and create a team of individuals that can provide compassionate end-of-life care for your loved one. 

As the first hospice provider in the region, Northern Illinois Hospice has been helping people transition to hospice care for more than 45 years. Our team provides compassionate end-of-life care to individuals with life-limiting illnesses.

We honor patients and their wishes by providing specialized care that treats the person, not the disease. We offer a wide range of palliative and hospice care to improve your loved one’s quality of life in their final months.

Our experienced team of healthcare professionals, social workers, and volunteers is here to ensure your loved one’s comfort and support.

Get even more support with The Reading Room

Because hospice care offers so many services and benefits to patients, families, and providers, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to navigate. That’s why we created The Reading Room.

The Reading Room is a special place where people can learn and grow in their understanding of hospice and palliative care, anytime and anywhere. It’s like having a whole library in the palm of your hand or with a click of your mouse. With dozens of articles and helpful how-to videos in both English and Spanish, The Reading Room can serve as a helpful guide. 

To learn more about our palliative or hospice services or how we can help you navigate end-of-life care for your loved ones, call us today at (815) 398-0500.