Hospice of Chenango County

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When one member of a family is very ill, it affects every member of that family. Priorities shift away from the typical burdens of running a household, to caring for the loved one who is sick. Suddenly, there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done. And the caregiver often ends up exhausted and discouraged. Don’t go it alone. You don’t have to. That’s exactly why Hospice was born in Chenango County in 1991. Since that time, we’re grateful that we’ve embraced thousands of patients and their families, guiding them on the uncertain path of the very sick. We did it so they would feel encouragement and support.

In a Snapshot our Hospice Message is:

• Call us earlier rather than later in the illness, before you’ve reached the breaking point.

• Call us when you need that extra pair of hands to give a bath, or need to make sense of the five different medicines you’re supposed to give.

• Call us to get a volunteer who can run errands, or stay with your loved one while you get your hair cut.

• Call us so a nurse can visit and make sure pain and symptoms are kept in check.

• Call us because you’re drowning in insurance claims, or need help with your medical bills.

• Call us because you need to talk to someone.

We want to help. We’re professionals trained to help. But we need to know that you’re out there. So call us and we’ll meet with you, and talk with your Doctor, and get you the help you need sooner rather than later, because at Hospice we believe there’s a lot of living left to do.

Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County is a non-profit health care agency that takes care of patients with serious life limiting illness (generally 6 months or less) in their home, nursing home, or hospital room. Referrals are welcome from physicians and other health care providers, family members, friends, clergy, or from the patient him/herself. Patients receive regular visits from Registered Nurses, LPNs, Social Workers, and specially trained volunteers. Medications and medical equipment is most often included in a patient’s plan of care for which Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies reimburse Hospice. Patients rarely, if ever, receive a bill for Hospice services.

For those individuals with a longer life expectancy who are not yet ready for Hospice care, Palliative (comfort) care may be more appropriate. Our staff consults with the palliative patient regarding pain and symptom management. Plus we provide emotional support for those still receiving life-prolonging medical intervention such as chemotherapy or radiation. Our Palliative care services are provided on a sliding fee scale if not covered by your insurance.

Grief support groups get together regularly, and volunteer training is active several times during the year. To schedule an informational visit, or to learn more about any of our programs, call the Norwich office at 334-3556, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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