Our Services

Hospice Program

The Hospice philosophy affirms that as long as there is life, there are physical, social, spiritual and emotional needs that can be addressed. Hospice believes that people who have a limited life expectancy are too often isolated from the people and friends that make their lives meaningful and worthwhile. Hospice care endeavors to bring comfort, and value to all the days of living. To receive Hospice Program services, an individual must have a prognosis of a year or less to live and receive palliative (pain control) care only.

Specifically, physical care to the terminally ill and their loved ones is provided through:

• Volunteer assistance, companionship, and support in the home.
  
• Volunteer companionship and support in hospitals and nursing homes.
  
• Respite for loved ones.
  
• Transportation to medical appointments and help with household chores, child care and errands.
  
• Volunteers are available to supplement the care provided by family and professional caregivers.
  
• Resource and referral information to patients and loved ones.
  
• Coordination of services available through home health agencies, nursing homes and hospitals.
  
• Loan of hospital beds, commodes and other durable medical equipment to those whose insurance does not cover rental costs.
• Comfort Therapies including music and Reiki

Spiritual support is provided through:

• Support from trained volunteers, for both adults and children.
  
• Support and counseling from the BAH Hospice Care and Bereavement Care Coordinators.
  
• Supportive counseling for any community persons with a concern in the area of death and loss.
  

Pathways Support Program

Pathways Support program is designed for individuals who are receiving home care and have a life-threatening illness with a prognosis of up to two years, and who may choose to continue active medical therapies. The program is designed with flexibility in mind, aiding both the patient and caregivers in adjusting to the numerous changes that illness brings.

For both programs, trained volunteers provide non-medical assistance such as emotional support, respite care, companionship, and help with practical needs. Volunteers are also available to provide one-on-one support to children whose family member has a terminal illness, offering an opportunity for children to express their fears and concerns through play, talking and other activities.

Community Education

Brattleboro Area Hospice is a community resource on issues of death, dying and grieving. We are happy to respond to the needs of anyone in the area who might benefit from our services - agencies, organizations, businesses and individuals.

A thirty-three hour hospice training is open to the community. There is no requirement to become a hospice volunteer to attend the training. Continuing education is provided to volunteers through monthly inservices. Volunteers team trainings and specialized individual volunteer instruction is offered on an as-needed basis. A twenty-hour bereavement training, available to all who have completed the hospice training, is also provided.

B.A.H. offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. In addition to hospice and bereavement support, volunteers work at Experienced Goods Thrift Store, in our office, or on a number of community outreach activities. Please contact us for further information about becoming a volunteer.

Our lending library is open weekdays during office hours; please come and browse. We have over five hundred books and audiotapes available.

Bereavement Services

Adjusting to life without a loved one can be difficult. Amy Jenson in her book Healing Grief, notes, "No one can tell you, of course, how long or in what manner you 'should' grieve - your grief is unique. But there are elements of bereavement that are more or less common elements to all who pass through it. Understanding these common elements and how others have dealt with them can be of great help."

Bereavement Services are an important part of hospice care, and help people understand grief as a normal process. These services are available for surviving Hospice family members, as well as community members and are free of charge.

Bereavement support is provided through:

• Individual and family counseling with the Bereavement Care Coordinator.
  
• Volunteer support for loved ones of Hospice patients for up to thirteen months after the patient's death.
  
• Subscription to our bereavement newsletter, Seasons, sent to loved ones for up to fifteen months after the patient's death.
  
• Support groups for loved ones of Hospice patients and for community members.
  
• An annual Service of Remembrance for Hospice families and community members.
  
• A Hospice Memorial Garden, located at Living Memorial Park, where families and community members can participate in a yearly planting service and visit or plant flowers throughout the spring, summer and fall.

Bereavement Support Groups

•   Six to eight week groups are offered several times a year to those grieving the death of a loved one. The support group provides a safe place for sharing experiences, exploring feelings, providing mutual support, and gaining insight into the grieving process.

•   We also sponsor support groups such as Survivors After Suicide, Spouse/Partner Loss, Bereaved Parents and Handling the Holidays, when there is sufficient interest.

•   Bereavement Partner/Spouse Loss Support Groups meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month.

Individual Support

Individual support is also available on a limited basis with trained bereavement volunteers and staff. Support for children and teens can also be arranged. Call the Bereavement Coordinator for information, an appointment, or just a listening ear.

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