Patients, their families and Avow Hospice staff work together to design a plan of care.

We promise to treat you and your family with dignity and respect.

Anyone can refer a patient to Avow Hospice by calling our Admissions Department at (239) 261-4404. Patients can even refer themselves. Once we have the referral, we contact the patient's physician for medical information and consultation.

Admissions are coordinated by a nurse who answers questions, provides information and helps resolve any immediate needs patients and families may have.

Once a patient selects Avow Hospice, an interdisciplinary team of caregivers works with the patient and his or her family to develop a comprehensive plan for how and where the patient wishes to be treated. Most frequently, Avow Hospice patients choose to remain at home. Some patients receive treatment in skilled or assisted living facilities or in our inpatient facility, the Frances Georgeson Hospice House (see below for more information on this facility).

Members of our care team include:

• a physician, either the patient's private doctor or an Avow Hospice physician, who oversees the medical care
• an Avow Hospice nurse, who makes regularly scheduled visits and coordinates the plan of care with other team members
• a consulting pharmacist, who helps select and monitor the patient's medications
• social service coordinators, who help with the psychological and social aspects of the illness and grief
• complementary therapists who offer massage, aromatherapy, music and art therapy and more
• spiritual care coordinators, who provide spiritual support
• home health aides, who assist with personal care
• specially trained volunteers, who can be helping hands and friendly listeners
• Doula Companion volunteers, or “end of life coaches,” who are available to patients at risk of dying alone. Doula Companions receive advanced training and commit to being present with patients up to and through the time of death

Our treatment goals aim to relieve all symptoms:

• Physical - Pain, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms are controlled as effectively as medically possible.
• Emotional - The patient and family are helped to cope with emotional distress connected with the illness and impending death.
• Spiritual - The patient and family are assisted with finding meaning in life and experiencing peace, even in the face of death.

In addition to prescriptive medical services, Avow Hospice patients may take advantage of a variety of complementary therapies. Offerings include:

• Massage Therapy - Therapeutic massage involves manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasms and stress, and to promote health and well being. Massage improves functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal and nervous systems. It uses a system of gentle, nurturing touch using a lotion or essential oils.
• Reiki - "Reiki" means universal life energy. Many ancient cultures as well as practitioners today believe that disruptions or imbalances in the flow of this energy correlate to illness and distress. An Avow Hospice Reiki practitioner places her hands gently above or lightly touching a patient's body to energize and balance the body, mind and spirit. Reiki provides relaxation and a heightened sense of well-being, relief from pain, tension, anxiety and depression.
• Hand Aromatherapy - Hand Aromatherapy is a therapeutic combination of aromatherapy and light touch to the patient's hands. Pure essential oils are introduced through direct application to the skin. This therapy is provided by therapists and trained volunteers.
• Expressive Arts - Expressive therapies incorporate music, art, writing and movement to help patients express feelings, hopes, fears and desires. These activities, offered by trained volunteers, help give patients a greater sense of control, self-awareness and inner peace; they can also enhance cognitive abilities and help patients and their families recall happy times.
• Animal Assisted Activities - Screened and trained pet participants and their Avow Hospice Volunteer owners can provide friendly visits to patients wherever they live. Pets offer the sick and homebound a welcome respite from the challenges and demands of living with an illness.

Sometimes patients need a level of care that can't be provided at home. When that is the case, short-term care in our Frances Georgeson Hospice House may be an appropriate alternative.

Georgeson Hospice House offers the comforts of home and the means to meet patients' medical, spiritual and emotional needs. Rooms are comfortably furnished and patients are encouraged to bring favorite items from home. There are no restrictions to visiting hours; family members may come and go as they please and spend the night to remain close to their loved one.

Georgeson Hospice Houses specialize in the treatment of patients who need temporary, specialized care in response to a crisis. Once the crisis has passed, patients return home or move to a living facility.

Avow Hospice is the only hospice with an inpatient facility in Collier County. Patients of
other hospices operating in the county may be transferred to hospitals or similar
facilities should crises occur in their care.

To request an evaluation for admittance, call (239) 261-4404.