Helping Patients and Families in Numerous Ways
Submitted by Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care
According to recent reports from the National Hospice and Palliative Organization, more than 1.5 million Americans receive care from hospice each year. Hospice and Palliative care are end of life services developed specifically to provide services and support for individuals and families during one of life’s most challenging times. Death and dying are not easy to discuss or deal with, and it’s within these times, that we need assistance in multiple ways.
Hospice provides comfort, dignity, and respect to all those coping with a serious illness and end-of-life conditions. Cornerstone Hospice provides expert medical care to keep patients comfortable and able to enjoy time with their loved ones. It’s not uncommon for family members to have questions, need emotional or spiritual support and help in many aspects of what was involved in their life before this critical time.
A team of experts help each patient and their loved ones; hospice care is not a curative services, but it is similar to medical care, in that it offers much needed support on a different level. It brings hope, dignity and compassion when needed the most.
ABOUT CORNERSTONE HOSPICE
What is hospice?
The doctor has recommended hospice care. Let us help you understand why and what to expect.
Who pays for hospice?
Medicare, private insurance or medicaid. We will assist you in making financial decisions surrounding our care plan.
How to begin care
It usually begins with a recommendation from your physician. From that point we will guide you the rest of the journey.
What services does Cornerstone Hospice provide?
When your physician(s) recommend Cornerstone Hospice care, any eligible patient is entitled to:
• Skilled nursing care in the patient’s home or a nursing home facility which is contracted with Cornerstone Hospice.
• Nursing services on call, 24 hours a day, seven days a week including holidays.
• Assistance with personal hygiene and skin care.
• Arrangements for durable medical equipment and physical therapy services in the patients home when medically indicated.
• Volunteer(s) to help with errands and/or provide companionship.
• Social workers to help the patient and family understand and deal with terminal diagnosis, treatment and family issues that arise.
• Grief support for family members if desired.
CORNERSTONE HOSPICE SUPPORT PROGRAMS
Bereavement
As a not-for-profit hospice program for Central Florida, Cornerstone has a number of professionals on our team who are trained to help those dealing with a loss.
When someone chooses Cornerstone for their care, the representative who visits with you will tell you that Bereavement Services are available to you right away, should you desire. Or you may wait and choose one of our many group sessions offerings, giving you an opportunity to share with others dealing with the same challenges as you and your family.
And what many do not know is that our bereavement services are available to anyone in our community who is experiencing the emotions of grief due to the loss of a loved one, even if they were a patient of ours or not. The Cornerstone bereavement professionals are involved in both individual and group sessions.
Because our professional grief counseling has helped so many over 35 years, Cornerstone will often work with local law enforcement, the courts, local churches and schools in times of need.
You can get more information on how we can best serve you by calling Cornerstone Bereavement services at 888-728-6234 or email @ bereavement@cshospice.org.
Jewish Services
Cornerstone is one of only a few hospices in Florida to be accredited by the National Institute for Jewish Hospice (NIJH).
This means our Jewish neighbors can trust that our staff is updated every year by The NIJH on how we will provide end-of-life care in accordance with Jewish law.
The training for the care of our Jewish patients is given both to Cornerstone staff and volunteers. It is inclusive of issue related to nutrition and hydration, when and how to provide medicinal intervention, The Jewish Living Will and Jewish rituals for the immediate aftermath of death.
Pet Peace of Mind
We LOVE our pets! So it is not a surprise that some people hesitate to follow a hospice recommendation because they are afraid, they will lose their loving connection to their pet. To reduce the anxiety surrounding the care of your pet, Cornerstone Hospice offers Pet Peace of Mind, a program which enables hospice patients to keep their pets at home with them throughout their end-of-life journey.
Cornerstone needs volunteers to make sure patient pet(s) are fed, walked, cleaned and get medical attention or treatments as needed.
Not able to volunteer? You can still make a difference with a donation to Cornerstone Hospice – Pet Peace of Mind.
WHAT PATIENT’S LOVED ONES AND PROFESSIONALS HAVE TO SAY
Testimonials
“As the administrator for Granny NANNIES villages location, I have referred many families to Cornerstone hospice and have had our care providers work side by side with the hospice team. I have always known that Cornerstone was a great company. It wasn’t until my own father became terminal and deteriorated quickly that I turned to Cornerstone and learned firsthand how compassionate Cornerstone was for both patient and family. During hurricane Irma, Cornerstone came immediately and was in constant contact with my family taking care of his medication and adjusting as needed to keep my dad comfortable until he passed away. I cannot say enough good things about Cornerstone hospice group. Granny NANNIES and I will continue to refer Cornerstone, so that other families may have the support to make end of life a bit easier to cope with. Forever Grateful.”—Diane
“We used Cornerstone for my mother for two weeks. They came to the house, and I could not say enough about the people, from the nurses that came to start us off all the way through the time she passed away. They gave her medical services and would come in and check on her, even when she was in the hospital for a few days. They came in when she passed away and took care of everything. Whenever I called, I got someone who communicated well. I got what I wanted and was happy with what I saw. I would use them again if I needed hospice. I would definitely recommend them and have told a couple of my neighbors in the same situation. I was very pleased with everything that Cornerstone offered.” —Debbie
Call Cornerstone Hospice today to find out more.
866-742-6655 | https://cornerstonehospice.org