HOME HEALTH CARE AND HOSPICE:

• Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  On-call weekend coverage from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
  Home Health and Hospice call is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as needed.

• Phone number: (218) 631-7480; After Hours: (218) 631-3510

• E-mail: andrea.craig@tricountyhospital.org

About the Home Health Care and Hospice:

Services available through Home Health Care include skilled nursing services, home health aide/homemaker, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, social services, and Lifeline. 

Telehome Care services provide another opportunity to monitor a patient’s status in the home setting.  This technology utilizes phone lines and connected technology to allow the Registered Nurse to do a “virtual” visit with the patient. The nurse remains in the office, but is able to assess a variety of measures including blood pressure, and medication review. Telehome Care represents an exciting use of technology to expand on present services and add to quality health care.

A Medicare certified hospice program is available for patients with terminal illnesses. Hospice care is a team approach to providing specialized care to the dying patient and their family. Home Care staff includes registered nurses, occupational, speech and physical therapists, social worker, and home health aides/homemakers.  Volunteers play an important part in the provision of hospice care.  Hospice volunteers are provided with an initial training program along with annual continuing education.

Home Health Care and Hospice services may be covered by a variety of payment sources including Medicare, Medical Assistance, private insurance, Veterans Administration, county grant for the elderly and private pay. Tri-County Hospital Home Health Care/Hospice does accept assignment from Medicare and Medical Assistance.

Becoming a Hospice Volunteer:

Tri-County Hospice utilizes Hospice volunteers in a variety of areas in providing for the needs of the Hospice patient and the families we serve.  Volunteers are an essential part of the hospice philosophy of care and hospice team. 

Opportunities available for volunteering include:

• Support of patients.  This can include visiting, reading, taking walks, letter writing, and companionship.

• Respite and support for the family members.  Volunteers can assist with shopping or household maintenance, or allow family caregivers the opportunity to take care of necessary errands and get some time away from the house.  Or sometimes the respite gives the caregiver the opportunity to take a nap or rest.  Family members also appreciate a visit from a compassionate friend who understands what they are going through.

• Fund raising and administrative work.  A volunteer with clerical skills can serve a hospice by helping in the office with simple administrative duties. Fundraising responsibilities can range from preparing mailing or thank you letters to organizing events, contacting possible donors, selling raffle tickets or working at an event.

To ensure that all volunteers are equipped for the challenge of working with the dying, hospice requires that volunteers complete an extensive training and orientation program, as well as, submit to a routine background check.  It is important that volunteers understand the philosophy of hospice and are aware of specific ways Tri-county hospice works to serve the community.  Yearly education is mandated to get updated information and knowledge needed and required to provide the best care to the individuals we serve. If you are interested in becoming a hospice volunteer or want more information – contact Janet Wiedewitsch, Volunteer Coordinator at 631-7480.

Website Links:

• National Hospice Organization - www.nhpco.org 

• MN Hospice Organization - www.mnhospice.org 

Find even more useful information at:
National Library of Medicine Website
Brought to you in conjunction with TCH and the Bio-Medical Library, University of Minnesota

© Tri-County Hospital, Wadena Medical Center, Fair Oaks Lodge 2008. All rights reserved. Designed by Tri-County Hospital.