For Patients and Famillies

At Mary Washington Healthcare Hospice Services we provide care options for the whole family. We provide support to patients and family members allowing everyone to be involved at the level where they feel comfortable. This empowers family members and caregivers as they help and can reduce feelings of helplessness.

How will we know when hospice services are needed?

• When family needs professional guidance and support.
• When family becomes overwhelmed by providing daily care for their loved one.
• When treatments cause further discomfort and pain rather than help.
• When the patient wishes to improve quality of life more than cure their disease.
• When symptoms become increasingly tough to manage.
• When the following symptoms appear:
  • Severe fatigue
  • Sustained weight loss
  • Trouble with daily personal care
  • Struggled breathing or swallowing
  • Continual fluid build-up

How do we start the conversation about Hospice Services?

Most hospice patients have less than 6 months to live and these conversations can be very emotional and difficult. When a patient or family beiieves it may be time to consult Hospice Services, the first step is to talk with the patient’s physician, The physician needs to refer the patient to Mary Washington Healthcare Hospice Services.

For more information please call MWHC Hospice Services at 540.741.3580.