Services of Hospice of Dubuque Katy Morrow, Nursing Services Director In the Dubuque area, there has been an influx of new businesses advertising their hospice services. Many community members have contacted us to question how the services offered by these businesses compare to the services provided by Hospice of Dubuque. While all Medicare-certified hospices must provide the following services, as a not-for-profit hospice, Hospice of Dubuque’s care is mission-driven. Thus, consumers should not only compare what services are offered, but how services are delivered.
What Medicare Requires
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How Hospice of Dubuque Delivers
Physician services
Dr. Brian Sullivan from Medical Associates and Dr. Mark Hermann from Dubuque Internal Medicine serve as Hospice of Dubuque’s medical directors. Hospice of Dubuque also works closely with each patient’s primary care physician to coordinate and deliver individualized end-of-life care.
Nursing services
All of Hospice of Dubuque’s nurses are Registered Nurses. Forty-three percent (43%) of Hospice of Dubuque’s nurses have achieved certification by the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses. Among hospices throughout the state of Iowa, this percentage is only 14%.
Medical social workers
At Hospice of Dubuque, all social work services are delivered by individuals holding either a Bachelors or Masters degree in social work (BSW or MSW). These professionals work closely with the patient and family to identify needs and resources.
Hospice aides
Hospice aides are available to assist with the activities of daily living, personal care needs including bathing, and companionship for patients. Aide services are available to all patients, even those residing in assisted living facilities or nursing homes.
Counselor services
Hospice of Dubuque has both spiritual and dietary counselors on staff, and the spiritual counselor is available to provide funeral services, as requested.
Therapy services
Medicare requires that physical, occupational and speech therapy services are available to all patients. Although not a Medicare requirement, Hospice of Dubuque offers a comprehensive music therapy program to enhance patient care. A board certified music therapist is available to visit patients, make favorite CDs for patients and provide bedside comfort during the dying process.
Bereavement support
Bereavement support is provided while the patient is receiving care from Hospice of Dubuque. Mailings, support groups, and one to one counseling are available to the survivors of Hospice of Dubuque patients for 13 months following the patient’s death. Hospice of Dubuque also offers these services to any member of the tri-state community who has experienced a loss through death.
Volunteers must provide 5% of care
The Hospice of Dubuque volunteers are your neighbors. They have completed a seven-week, twentyone hour educational course and have successfully passed a screening process that includes background checks and interviews prior to assignment as a Hospice of Dubuque volunteer.
Prescription medications and medical equipment
Hospice of Dubuque provides for all prescription medications and medical equipment related to the patient’s terminal illness and does not discontinue all of a patient’s medication upon admission. Hospice of Dubuque maintains contracts with a full array of local pharmacies and medical equipment providers so that patients may generally continue with their preferred provider.
Medication review
Hospice of Dubuque employs a pharmacist to be an active member of the Interdisciplinary Team. Each patient’s medications are reviewed for potential drug interactions.
Hospitalization
Hospice of Dubuque contracts with the following local hospitals: Finley Hospital (Dubuque), Mercy Hospital (Dubuque and Dyersville), Midwest Medical Center (Galena), and Southwest Health Center (Platteville). These contracts enable Hospice of Dubuque to arrange for acute hospitalization for patients and also allow for up to five days of respite care in consideration of fatigued caregivers.
Continuous care
If a patient experiences a symptom crisis, Hospice of Dubuque may provide continuous care for as long as needed, with a registered nurse remaining at the bedside.
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