When you or your loved one becomes a patient with Rainbow Hospice, you will benefit from a team of caregivers. These caregivers - staff and volunteers - are dedicated to your comfort. They will help manage your symptoms and keep your physician aware of any changes in your condition. They will also provide support and information for you and your loved ones.

Your Rainbow team can include medical, social work and other professional staff members. Here is a look at team members who are available to you and your loved ones.

Medical Team Members

Medical Director: Rainbow Hospice’s medical director works closely with your own physician regarding controlling pain and other symptoms and directs the Hospice plan of care.

Attending Physician: Your own doctor. Your relationship with your own physician continues while you are a Rainbow Hospice patient.

Nurse: Our staff nurses visit your home to assess your condition and your level of comfort. Our nurses teach family members how to help control your symptoms. They also keep your doctor aware of your condition. Staff nurses help you access the services of the other hospice team members, offer emotional support and visit on a scheduled basis. A Rainbow Hospice nurse is available to you for phone consultations 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Home Health Aide: These Certified Nursing Assistants provide bathing and personal care services to you as well as emotional support for you and your family. They may also check your vital signs, change dressings and provide other physical support as directed by your nurse.

Social Service Team Members

Social Worker: This professional visits you in your home to assess your need for continuing emotional support and counseling. Social workers also help you and your family with legal matters, financial concerns and care-giving issues. In addition, they serve as liaisons between your family and community agencies.

Spiritual Care Team Members

Chaplain: Staff chaplains visit you at home or contact you by phone to provide spiritual support for both you and your family. They can also contact other religious resources in the community on your behalf, at your request. If there has been a lapse in your religious traditions, the chaplains at Rainbow Hospice can reach out on your behalf so you can renew your connection.

Music Therapist: Rainbow Hospice offers music therapy on a limited basis as a way to address symptoms, such as pain and anxiety. As a patient, you may benefit from the spiritual power of music to help relaxation and emotional release. Music therapy includes listening, song selection, singing or creating musical memories.

Volunteer Team Members

Volunteer Coordinator: Rainbow Hospice staff member who coordinates your needs with volunteer services.

Volunteer: Supplement staff services to you and your family through assistance and companionship. Services they provide include friendly visits, respite care, or errands.

Your Own Team Members

Family: Facing illness with your family can make this time easier. You and your family may want to share your feelings directly or ask your nurse, social worker, clergy or counselor to bring family members together to talk and listen.

Friends: Your friends are often eager to help out, but do not know how. They will need some direction from you so they can provide the comfort and assurance of a long acquaintance.