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Philosophy of Hospice
Seasons of Life Hospice seeks to provide compassionate care to terminally ill patients in their final days, weeks or months of life. Hospice aims to improve quality of life when length of life is limited. Death is not denied, but rather life is affirmed and lived as fully as possible until death occurs.
Description of the Program
Hospice serves patients in their own homes, extended care facilities, assisted living facilities and at the Seasons of Life Residential Hospice. The Residential Hospice, which opened in September 2001 in a serene setting on Pleasant Valley Lake, is the first of its kind in western Cuyahoga County. This home-like facility is ideal for patients who do not have a full-time caregiver or who need more advanced care than can be provided at home.
Hospice services are based at the residential facility, located at 9511 W. Pleasant Valley Road. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Patient Population
Seasons of Life Hospice serves individuals 18 years or older who have a terminal illness with a limited life expectancy; are no longer seeking curative, aggressive or invasive therapies; and who have a physician who will continue to assume responsibility for their medical management.
Historically, slightly less than half of the individuals served have a cancer diagnosis. Other diagnoses include end-stage heart disease, end-stage lung disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, end-stage neurological disease, renal disease, liver disease, AIDS, and others.
Staffing
The interdisciplinary team is comprised of a Medial director, RNs, Home Health Aides, social workers, volunteers, therapists, a chaplain, pharmacists, a bereavement counselor and administrative staff. All roles are vital and equally important.
Hospice seeks individuals with a strong skill base, excellent communication techniques, compassion for the terminally ill and a commitment to service excellence. Additional requirements for Hospice work include: proficient assessment skills and knowledge regarding medications, disease progression, pain management, symptom control and death and dying. Staff members must work well within a team, and have confidence in their skills to work autonomously.
Seasons of Life Hospice is JCAHO accredited and licensed by the state of Ohio. In the January 2001 state survey, Seasons of Life Hospice achieved a perfect score, demonstrating the dedication of staff in providing outstanding service.
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