Nursing Homes & Assisted Living

For people living in nursing homes, Hospice of Cincinnati works in partnership with the nursing home staff in developing a plan of care that promotes dignity and quality end-of-life care. Our goal is to keep the resident in their “home” while enhancing quality of life and managing comfort.

A Typical Experience – The Walters Family

Mary Walters had been living in a nursing home for five years. She was recently diagnosed with end-stage dementia by her family physician. A dietician at the nursing home noticed that Mary was starting to have problems swallowing. Due to her declining health, both her physician and the nursing home staff felt it was appropriate to talk to Mary’s family about hospice care.

Various options were discussed with her family including tube feeding, but Mary’s loved ones knew that she would not have wanted that. So the decision was made to contact Hospice of Cincinnati and begin hospice care.

A social worker from the nursing home contacted Hospice of Cincinnati and arranged a meeting with a hospice nurse, the nursing home staff and Mary’s family. The Hospice nurse visited the nursing home, evaluated Mary’s condition, and created a plan of care that would help manage Mary’s symptoms and prepare the family for what to expect during the final stages of the illness.

From the moment the family signed the consent form, Hospice of Cincinnati began providing for all medications, equipment and services related to the terminal illness. A team of skilled professionals from Hospice of Cincinnati that included a physician, nurse, social worker and chaplain was assigned to Mary. Each member of the team was committed to helping Mary enjoy the highest quality of life possible and providing whatever support was needed to her family and loved ones.

Mary’s plan of care was coordinated and integrated with the nursing home staff. Supplemental care was provided by Hospice of Cincinnati nurses and home health aides who visited on a regular basis and offered additional skills and training to both the staff and family.

Mary was able to continue living peacefully in her familiar environment while receiving the best possible care as her symptoms progressed. She especially enjoyed the visits from Hospice volunteers who shared with her their time and talents such as art therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, and massage.

The goal of the Hospice team was to walk the journey with Mary and her family and to provide increasing support as the end of life drew near. Mary eventually passed away in peace at the nursing home after four months of hospice care.

The family was very thankful that they had considered hospice care as early as they did. In fact, a number of other families had noticed the outstanding care and services that were provided to Mary and asked to learn more about Hospice of Cincinnati and how they could receive the same loving and compassionate care for their loved ones when the time came.

Occasionally, Mary’s family received a call from bereavement counselors at Hospice of Cincinnati who offered their support and encouragement through the grieving process. For Mary’s family, the calls were a welcome, friendly voice from a team of caring people that would forever hold a dear place in their hearts.