What Hospice Does

As our mission states, Hospice of Holland provides the most compassionate and highest quality end-of-life care through physical, emotional, and spiritual support.

The first Hospices, during medieval times, were places of rest for weary travelers. So too, is Hospice of Holland. Patients and families find rest from the wearying experience of fighting a terminal illness. Rest from endless tests, waiting rooms, and hospital stays. Hospice of Holland allows the patient to simply… live.

Hospice provides pain and symptom management. We work to make our patients as physically comfortable as possible, whether in their own home, in an area care facility, or the Hospice House. Our experienced, professional team is trained to manage symptoms including pain, nausea, shortness of breath, limited mobility, and changes in nutritional status. Patients and caregivers are encouraged to participate in the plan of care and are provided with education and assistance necessary to best manage symptoms. The patient’s dignity and sense of control is always a prime consideration.  

Hospice provides emotional support. In addition to physical needs, patients and their families experience a range of concerns and anxieties, everything from how to cope with the dying process and associated losses, to how to access community resources. To help with these concerns, Hospice of Holland social work professionals provide support to patients and families as they cope with many emotions during this difficult journey. They may also walk families though financial, insurance and legal concerns, as necessary.

Hospice provides spiritual support. For many of our patients, spirituality is the primary source of emotional strength. Hospice defines spirituality in a much broader context than just religion, and strives to meet people’s spiritual needs, however they define them. The Hospice of Holland Spiritual Care Team is available to provide spiritual support to the patient and family or to serve as a liaison between the Hospice team and the patient’s faith community. In addition to helping address end-of-life issues, counselors can help with planning for memorial services and funerals, at the family’s request.