Orange City Area Home Health & Hospice staff say earlier conversations about end-of-life care can help patients understand their choices and give caregivers time to build relationships with families.
As the department marks Hospice Month, the public is invited to learn more during a ribbon-cutting and open house today (Tuesday, November 10) at its new office at 626 8th Street SE in Orange City. The ribbon-cutting begins at 3 p.m., followed by an opportunity to tour the office, meet staff, ask questions, and enjoy refreshments.
Nurse Manager Korrie Ewoldt and Patient Care Coordinator Denise Horkey discussed hospice care and the upcoming event during a recent appearance on Sioux County Radio’s The Daily Grind.
Care Built Around the Patient
Ewoldt says hospice focuses on comfort and the wishes of patients with terminal illnesses. The team works with patients and families to understand what matters to them and where they would like to receive care.
Under Medicare rules, hospice eligibility includes a physician-certified life expectancy of six months or less if the illness follows its normal course. Patients choose comfort care instead of treatment intended to cure their terminal illness and related conditions. Care can continue beyond six months when a hospice physician recertifies eligibility.
CMS
Horkey says the local team serves patients at home, in nursing homes, and in the hospital. Ewoldt says staff offers services and education to help families care for a loved one.
“So if they prefer to be home, we try and help them get their care at home,” Ewoldt said.
Starting the Conversation Earlier
Horkey says early referrals give staff more time to get to know a patient. The department also tries to keep nursing assignments consistent so patients and families can build familiar relationships with their caregivers.
“We try to keep it as consistent as we can. Continuity of care is great in our world,” Horkey said.
Ewoldt says families can request a consultation before deciding whether to enroll in hospice. Those discussions give people a chance to ask questions and work through difficult decisions.
“If they’re on the fence about that, we can send our staff to come talk through and help them have those hard conversations. And then, of course, respect where they’re at in their process,” Ewoldt said.
The department also offers home health, Home Care Plus, and personal emergency alert systems. Ewoldt says home health can help patients regain the ability to care for themselves after an illness or other setback. Receiving home health services does not necessarily lead to hospice care.
Supporting the Whole Family
Horkey says nurses and social workers may hold family meetings to help everyone hear and understand the patient’s wishes. Staff can also help manage visits when a patient becomes tired, easing the burden on family members.
Ewoldt says chaplain services and conversations with other team members can offer spiritual support when patients want it. Both women described the relationships they form with patients and families as a meaningful part of their work.
“I mean, yes, it’s a blessing just to be able to walk that journey with them,” Horkey said.
Open House at the New Office
The department moved October 1 from its downtown office at 400 Central Avenue NW to the new location, about four-tenths of a mile from the health system’s main campus.
In an earlier interview about the move, health system CEO Chris Sietstra said improving accessibility was a priority because the previous offices were in the downtown campus basement. The new office provides space for private family meetings, support groups, educational programs, and staff coordination.
Sietstra also said the hospice team continues supporting families with bereavement services for a year after a patient’s death.
The new office is near Casey’s, with access through the parking lot west of the convenience store. Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information about services or the open house, call 712-737-5279.
