Samaritan Hospice Unit Opens at Virtua Memorial Hospital
Taking care of a dying family member can be one of the most difficult times in a person's life. For most caregivers, the experience is both physically and emotionally exhausting. And it brings with it a range of feelings from anger to sadness to sheer helplessness.
That is why Virtua Health and Samaritan Hospice have partnered to open the first in-hospital hospice unit in Burlington County. The Samaritan Hospice Unit at Virtua Memorial Hospital provides terminally ill patients end-of-life care for issues such as intensive pain management. Experienced nurses and support staff are specially trained to care for the unique needs of people with terminal illness and provide support for their families.
The unit is designed to provide the comforts of home. Each room offers a fold-out sleeping chair for family members, and handmade quilts as wall hangings. For those staying with their loved ones, there's a lounge, kitchen and laundry room, as well as a children's area, library and quiet room.
"Through this partnership, we now provide an extended continuum of care to support our most vulnerable patients and their families through a difficult transition," says Paul Minnick, RN, MSN, vice president of patient care at Virtua Memorial.