Nursing Assistants - Trained and qualified nurse assistants are available to assist with baths and other personal care needs of the patient. Nurse Assistants' schedules are adapted to meet the patient's and family's needs, based upon the patient's individualized plan of care. When necessary to relieve the caregiver, overnight respite can be scheduled to give family members a good night's rest.

Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy - These special therapies are available through contract arrangement to enhance the patient's comfort, physical functioning, and quality of life. Physical exercise programs, adaptive devices and equipment, and training for family caregivers can help the patient achieve the highest level of functioning possible to maintain dignity and quality of life. Speech therapists can often increase communication with patients who have lost the ability to speak, such as with the use of communication boards. Helping Hands Hospice's role is to improve the quality of life for our patients.

Dietary Counseling - As needed, dietary services are available to advise patients on how to cope with loss of appetite and how to receive adequate nutrition. Counseling regarding alternate forms of nutrition (such as blended fruit drinks or nutritional supplements) and special dietary concerns, related to the patient's illness, are possible ways to improve nutrition. Helping Hands Hospice strives to ensure our patients have proper nutrition and strength to help them enjoy life as best as possible.

Respite Care - Respite care is designed to provide a rest or break for the caregiver. The daily caring of a family member can create an emotional drain, as well as a physical one. Helping Hands Hospice has the ability to either place the patient in an inpatient facility or provide respite staff in the home, thus giving the family an opportunity to rest.

Continuous Care - Continuous Care is designed to assist the patient and family during a medical crisis. Helping Hands Hospice may provide continuous nursing care for a period of time until the crisis is resolved. Generally, these situations are triggered by an acute symptom requiring the use of professional nursing staff to manage the patient's rapidly changing physical status. This service is provided in an effort to manage the patient at home, to maintain patient's comfort, and to avoid unnecessary trips to the hospital or emergency room.