Hospice Care
Dignity, Compassion, and Comfort at the End of Life
Hospice care prioritizes quality of life. Visiting Nurses’ Hospice team provides specialized physical, emotional, and spiritual care and support for patients and families. Each care plan is created in collaboration with the patient, physician, and caregivers to ensure shared goals and expectations. Our compassionate team helps families focus on their time together and have peace of mind, knowing experienced professionals are handling the rest.
Linda Heidner shares her experience with Hospice care and how it has helped her and her family.
Our Comprehensive Hospice Services
PHYSICIAN-DIRECTED SERVICES
Our board-certified medical director collaborates with the hospice team to create and review an individualized care plan, ensuring all aspects of the patient’s care are met.
NURSING CARE
Our experienced, compassionate nurses work with the attending physician to manage pain, address physical symptoms, and provide the necessary medications, supplies, and equipment to enhance comfort during end-of-life care.
NURSING ASSISTANT CARE
Our certified nursing assistants assist with daily living activities such as bathing, grooming, and skin care, providing comfort and personal care to patients.
SOCIAL WORK
Our social workers offer emotional support, counseling, and help with financial matters, guiding families through the emotional and practical aspects of end-of-life care.
BEREAVEMENT CARE
Our compassionate care extends beyond a patient’s final days. We provide ongoing emotional and spiritual support, as well as grief counseling and guidance, to family members and caregivers—both individually and through group sessions.
VOLUNTEER CARE
Our dedicated volunteers offer respite care by engaging patients in appropriate activities, giving family members and caregivers a chance to take care of personal matters, rest, or attend to other needs.
CARELINK™
This electronic relay device allows patients to request immediate help in case of an emergency, providing an added layer of safety and comfort.
Who Pays for Hospice Care?
Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance companies typically cover the following hospice services:
- 24/7 On-call care and support
- Physician-directed services and nursing care
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Pharmaceuticals for pain relief and symptom management
- Physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapy
- Continuous care at home during periods of crisis
- Authorized inpatient care
- Social services
- Spiritual and emotional counseling
- Bereavement services
We Honor Veterans
Visiting Nurses is proud to be a We Honor Veterans partner. This collaborative campaign, in partnership with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Department of Veterans Affairs, helps identify veterans and ensure they have access to the care and services they deserve. Through this program, we:
- Strengthen our relationship with the local Veterans Association
- Provide veteran-centric education to our staff and volunteers
- Recruit volunteers with military backgrounds to serve our veteran patients
- Honor our veterans with formal recognition ceremonies
Grief Support
We offer grief support to help individuals coping with the loss of a loved one. Our grief support program provides a compassionate space for families to heal and process their emotions.
Click here to learn more about our grief support group.
End-of-Life Doulas
Our End-of-Life Doulas assist individuals and families in making end-of-life decisions and navigating the final stages of life with dignity and peace. Doulas offer emotional support, guidance, and help with decision-making so that patients and families can focus on living life to the fullest during this time.
Click here to learn more about End-of-Life Doulas.
At Visiting Nurses, we are committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care during life’s most difficult moments. Hospice care with us ensures that your loved ones receive the respect, care, and dignity they deserve. For more information or to inquire about our services, please contact us today.
Let us help you and your family navigate this journey with comfort, support, and compassion.
Our Other Services
Home Health and Rehabilitation: Caring for Your Health and Independence at Home
At Visiting Nurses, our Home Health and Rehabilitation services are designed to help you maintain your independence and recover in the comfort of your own home. We work closely with you and your doctor to develop a personalized care plan that promotes, maintains, and restores your health. Our skilled team of professionals is dedicated to your wellbeing, providing the highest level of care and support.
Help at Home: Quality Care for Independence at Home
Since 1969, Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) has been dedicated to supporting individuals with home care needs in Lawrence and the surrounding area. Our Help at Home services are designed to make it easier for you to maintain your independence, whether you live at home or in an assisted living facility. Our team is here to provide assistance with everyday activities, offering both short-term and long-term care solutions.
Grief Support
Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association provides grief support designed to help individuals navigate the complicated journey of loss. We offer compassionate support, guidance, and a listening ear during this challenging time.
How to Learn More
For more information about our grief support programs:
- Click on one of the buttons below.
- Call us at 785-843-3738.
- Email us at griefsupport@kansasvna.org.
We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Health Care Clinics
Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association is proud to support the health and wellness of our community through a variety of clinics and outreach programs.
Want to schedule a clinic or learn more?
Call us at 785-843-3738 for details.
Community Flu Clinics
We offer flu shot clinics at local businesses and community events to help protect against seasonal influenza. These clinics are designed to make vaccination convenient and accessible for everyone.
Blood Pressure Clinics
Our blood pressure clinics provide free screenings to help community members monitor and manage their cardiovascular health.
Community Health Fairs
At local health and senior resource fairs, VNA provides valuable information on our services and tips for aging safely and healthily at home.
Exercise Clinics
VNA hosts exercise clinics at local independent and assisted living facilities, helping seniors stay active, healthy, and well. These programs support aging in place and promote overall wellness in our senior community.
Additional Services
Home Safety Evaluation: Ensuring a Safe and Independent Home for Seniors
As we age, the risk of falling becomes a significant concern. According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older adults. The good news is that falls are largely preventable, and a Home Safety Evaluation from Visiting Nurses can help you make the necessary adjustments to reduce these risks.
Our Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Certified Senior Home Safety Specialists have the expertise to evaluate your home and identify potential hazards. With their help, you can create a safer living environment that supports your independence and wellbeing.
End-of-Life Doula Program: Compassionate Support Through Life’s Final Stages
At Visiting Nurses, we understand that the thought of death can be overwhelming. We view death as a natural part of life, and we are here to support individuals and their families through this journey. Our End-of-Life Doulas provide compassionate guidance, education, and advocacy to help individuals and their loved ones navigate end-of-life decisions with dignity and peace.
At Visiting Nurses, we are dedicated to providing compassionate care and support for all stages of life. Whether you are concerned about home safety, facing end-of-life decisions, or seeking support for a veteran, our team is here to help. Contact us today for more information on our services.