Interim HealthCare's Hospice Services Provides Medical and Emotional Support to Patients and their Families

SUNRISE, Fla., April 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a study by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NAPCO) an estimated 1.58 million patients received hospice services. Yet for every person who received hospice services, it is estimated that another individual who would have benefited went without this compassionate care at the end of his or her life.[1] Interim HealthCare, the nation's first home care, hospice and healthcare staffing franchise, is quickly becoming a leader in providing comfort and guidance to patients and families during this difficult time.  

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Interim HealthCare Hospice franchisees offer the best in medical, psychosocial, spiritual and nursing care, using state-of-the-art approaches to symptom management to promote wellbeing, while focusing on spiritual and emotional support. The majority of hospice care takes place in the comfort of the individual's home, where he or she is surrounded by family and familiar settings. Hospice coverage is widely available in most healthcare plans and is provided by Medicare, Medicaid and by most private health insurance policies.

"As the average life span continues to increase, so has the number of individuals who are requiring longer and more sustained care," said Max Hahnen, Vice President of Hospice Development. "Through our franchisees providing Hospice services the priority is to improve the quality of life for patients while ensuring they are comfortable and their emotional needs are met during their final stages of life."

Interim HealthCare of Greenville nurse, Nancy Dereng, understands first-hand the importance of hospice care and having a plan in place. Last year, her mother was admitted to the hospital for acute renal failure and recalls the importance of having physicians who would support her mother's decision for managing her symptoms and comfort with effective but simple measures.

"Having physicians that addressed our concerns while keeping my mother calm and comfortable rather than following standard procedures is very important," said Dereng. "With my role as an Interim HealthCare nurse for the past 38 years and teaching advance care planning, it's very important for people to have a written plan, be educated about hospice options and know how to ensure, honor and respect the wishes of their loved ones."  

In addition, Interim Hospice professionals provide support in a variety of ways including assisting with memorial services, support groups and providing basic information to families regarding grief and loss. Through Interim HealthCare's bereavement program, family and caregivers are also prepared for a potential loss and have the ability to receive continuing support for at least 13 months following the passing of a loved one.  

For those looking to volunteer in the community, Interim HealthCare also offers a Hospice Volunteer program, which offers assistance to patients and their caregivers in a variety of ways. Volunteers are first required to complete a pre-training interview and orientation class. Next they have the option of assisting with daily household tasks, providing companionship,or helping with funeral arrangements. Over the years, the contributions of volunteers have become an essential part of the Hospice program.

With a network of more than 300 independently owned franchises across the country, Interim HealthCare franchises include home care for non-medical and personal care, nursing, hospice and healthcare staffing services. The system has over a 40-year history within the healthcare industry and many of their franchisees have an average tenure of 20 years. For more information visit: http://www.interimhealthcare.com.

Each franchisee is committed to improving the lives of their client and communities. Franchise opportunities are available throughout the country. Qualified candidates should possess a minimum net worth of $400,000, and a minimum liquidity of $50,000. Franchisees can expect their initial investment to range from approximately $115,500 to $188,500 including the franchise fee. Additional franchise information is available at www.interimfranchising.com.

About Interim HealthCare:
Founded in 1966, Interim HealthCare® is the nation's first and finest healthcare franchise organization. Through a comprehensive network of more than 300 independently owned franchise offices, Interim HealthCare franchisees are the largest combined provider of community-based home care (medical & non-medical), healthcare staffing and hospice services. Interim HealthCare is unique in combining the commitment of local ownership with the support of a national organization that develops innovative programs and quality standards that improve the delivery of service through franchisees that employ thousands of health care workers who serve 50,000 people each day. For more information or to locate an Interim HealthCare office, visit www.interimhealthcare.com.

[1] National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. 2011. http://www.nhpco.org/files/public/governance/2011_NHPCO_annual_Report.pdf

Media Contact:
Carmen Ordonez
954-893-9150
[email protected]

SOURCE Interim HealthCare