The Calvert Hospice Team

No one person can provide for all the needs of hospice patients and their families. Therefore, Calvert Hospice care is provided by a team of people with different specialties working together. This provides a comprehensive and responsive form of care, benefiting both patients and families. The team consists of the following people:

Attending Physician: The patient's regular physician, also known as the attending physician, is a key member of the Calvert Hospice team. The attending physician assumes responsibility for medical management of the patient's treatment throughout his or her involvement in the Calvert Hospice program.

Bereavement Coordinator: The bereavement coordinator provides grief support and counseling to family survivors to assist them though the bereavement process. We offer many programs to support both children and adults. The bereavement coordinator is also available to help family members not living in the area find resources where they live.

Medical Director: The medical director is an on-staff physician who works with the other multidisciplinary professionals on the staff and the patient's attending physician to provide added expertise for the care of the patient. The staff physician may also manage the patient's care in the absence of an attending physician.

Chaplain: A hospice chaplain is available to assist patients and families with spiritual or religious matters and consult with community clergy.

Clinical Director: The clinical director is the team's leader who oversees the care provided by the team and schedules team member visits with families.

Hospice Aide: Hospice aides are certified and available to provide bathing, shampoos and other types of personal care to patients. They may also prepare small meals or provide basic tidying services during their visits that would benefit patients and caregivers. The frequency of hospice aide visits is based on the needs of the patient and family.

Nurse: The nurse is a registered nurse who goes to each patient's home to provide care. The number of times he/she visits depends on the patient's needs. Nurses provide physical care and keep the doctor informed and updated about the patient's condition. Nurses also teach families how to care for patients.

Social Worker: The social worker provides counseling and support to patients, families and/or survivors to assist them with questions and concerns related to the death and dying process. The counselor is also the primary contact for community resources and financial benefits (Social Security, Medicaid, etc.).

Volunteer: Patient/family care volunteers are trained to provide emotional support and companionship to patients and their families. They also provide short-term respite for primary caregivers and family members, as well as practical help such as running errands.