How Hospice Teams Collaborate to Deliver Compassionate Care

When someone you love is receiving hospice care, you want to know they are in the best possible hands. At Gilchrist, patients and families are never alone on this journey—they are surrounded by a devoted team whose sole mission is to bring comfort, dignity, and peace during life’s most tender moments.

This highly coordinated, team-based approach is called the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT)—a hallmark of hospice care at Gilchrist. Every member of this team brings their unique expertise and, just as importantly, their heart, working together to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of each patient and their loved ones. “The Interdisciplinary Team fosters a holistic approach to providing a well-rounded management of care to our patients and their families,” shares Darleen Sullivan, Gilchrist Clinical Manager.

What Is an Interdisciplinary Team (IDT)?

In hospice care, an IDT is a compassionate circle of professionals who meet regularly to discuss and adjust each patient’s plan of care. At Gilchrist, this exceptional team includes:

• Physicians and nurse practitioners who manage pain and symptoms, ensuring patients are as comfortable as possible.
• Nurses who provide expert hands-on care, closely monitor the patient’s condition, and offer education and reassurance to families.
• Social workers who walk alongside families, offering emotional support, guidance through difficult decisions, and connections to community resources.
• Chaplains and spiritual care providers who offer spiritual support, honoring each patient’s beliefs, values, and hopes.
• Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who provide gentle, personal care like bathing and grooming, helping patients maintain dignity.
• Volunteers who offer companionship, a listening ear, or simply the quiet gift of presence.
• Grief counselors who support families before and after a loss, helping them navigate their grief journey.

This team meets weekly to ensure that care is thoughtfully tailored to the changing needs of each patient and family.

A Shared Commitment to Compassion and Excellence

At the heart of Gilchrist’s care is a deep commitment to walking alongside patients and families during one of life’s most vulnerable times. Allie Wolfling, a Gilchrist Grief Care Clinical Counselor, plays a vital role in extending that support beyond a patient’s final days. As Allie explains, “I view my role as a Grief Counselor as an extension of the care provided to the family and friends of those who had loved ones on hospice. Even if I make a follow-up call and don’t have the chance to speak directly with anyone—just leaving a voicemail—I know I am reaching out with empathy, care, and compassion to let them know we are here for them whenever they need us.”

Whether it’s the nurse adjusting medication for comfort, the social worker offering a shoulder to lean on, or the volunteer holding a patient’s hand, every team member plays a vital role in making each moment count. Together, they embody the true meaning of hospice—compassion, collaboration, and honoring each person’s unique journey with grace and love.

To learn more about Gilchrist, visit: https://gilchristcares.org/