Hospice Care: What it is and When It’s Needed
Hospice care does not aim at finding a cure for a disease but rather concentrates on the comfort of a person.
Hospice Care: Serving Portland and Salem, Oregon
What sets us apart is our local ownership and commitment to personalized care. Expect more visits, enriching music therapy, and dedicated volunteers who bring added comfort and support during this critical time.
TESTIMONIALS
Hear from others on their experience with VistaRiver
I am a health care professional who recently has had the pleasure to work with the VistaRiver hospice team for the first time in my community. The nursing team is compassionate, attentive, and easy to work with. They get us exactly what we need in a timely manner to keep our patients comfortable as they approach the end of their life. They stop by several times to ensure we are happy with their services and are prompt to address any needs or issues. I look forward to the continued opportunity to work with their team for our hospice needs!
T
Taylor Gonzales
People who fear hospice need to know what a positive force this service is. Everyone from VistaRiver was kind, skilled, and patient. Sif and Kelly spent hours of extra time training us and caring for my mom. And now when we have billing questions from hospital or pharmacy, the office staff is so helpful.
C
Carol Barnard
My mom was on hospice with Vista River and I don't think we could have had a better provider. From the very first visit I was truly impressed. My family was thoroughly educated and my mom was assessed. They provide many services and all the providers we met were so competent, compassionate and caring. I was able to call if I had concerns and we worked together. One of the nurses went out of her way to come on her day off and it truly was miraculous. She brightened my world. I so appreciate these professionals guiding us through this time!
R
Rita Morquez
My dad was on hospice with this company for almost 2 weeks before his passing. All of the staff that we interacted with during that time were great. They got us the supplies that we needed and were there anytime we had a question. My family especially wants to thank the nurse Kellie. She was available when we needed her, educated us on the process was overall an amazing person. If anyone I know will ever need a hospice company recommendation, it will be for Vista River Hospice.
J
Jessica Cameron
Volunteering in the VistaRiver Hospice office has been a genuine blessing for me. The level of caring and professionalism is incredible. Employees are very attentive and very supportive. Even in the most challenging times, they embrace those in need with patience, respect, skill, and love. I am very fortunate to volunteer in such a beautiful environment.
S
Sharon Zelinsky
TESTIMONIALS
Hear from others on their experience with VistaRiver
OUR BELIEFS
We know that the decision to choose hospice care for a loved one is not an easy decision.
We are here to support and guide you every step of the way. At VistaRiver, we believe in providing the right care at the right time to the whole person.
OUR PROMISE
What to expect with VistaRiver?
We guarantee a superior level of care and support for our patients and their families. Our compassionate caregivers will extend a warm welcome and attend to your every need, concern, and question. We pledge to provide education and support at all times and to maintain clear and consistent communication throughout the care process. You can trust that we will provide a dignified and peaceful experience for all those in our care.
OUR SERVICES
Available Programs & Services
At VistaRiver, we start with you. How can we help you and your family?
When you choose VistaRiver you have access to programs and services that are personalized based on your physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
Nursing
Hospice nurses are skilled in assessing and managing a patient’s pain and symptoms. They are trained caregivers who provide hands-on patient care. Skilled listeners, hospice nurses comfort the family while also teaching them how to take the best care of their loved one.
Hospice Aides
Aides perform a combination of light housekeeping and personal hygiene duties, including bathing, dressing, feeding, and oral care. They ensure patients are comfortable, and spend time talking and listening during bedside visits. Most importantly, they make a difference in patients’ lives.
Social Work& Bereavement
Hospice social workers provide emotional and psychosocial support to the patient and family. They coordinate the logistics of the patient’s care, working with insurance companies or the Veterans Administration and helping with finances, funeral planning or other tasks. Social workers are always available to lend a friendly and listening ear.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy for hospice patients induces a relaxation response in the body, which triggers the release of serotonin in the brain. This chemical impacts thoughts and emotion, creating a sense of peace and a greater ability to cope with the uncertainty that lies ahead.
Spiritual Care
Chaplains provide spiritual services to patients and their families, including counseling, spiritual assessments, and guidance. They can work with people of all cultures, belief systems, traditions, and religious orientations. If a family requests spiritual help from a chaplain of a different faith, the chaplain will make that available.
Volunteer Matchmaking
Every day, our Volunteer Manager puts on their matchmaker hats and link up interested volunteers with opportunities that meet their interests, talents, availability and location. Here are a few examples: Companion Visits, Pet Companion Visits, and Sharing Talents.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Hospice Care Designed Around You
Speak with
a Hospice Nurse
We provide education on what pursuing comfort care looks like and what range of programs and services are available to you and your family.
Schedule an
In-Person Visit
The Perfect Visit ensures thoughtful interactions which help us build trust while we learn your preferences.
Meet Your Care Team
Finally, meet the people who will help you. You can expect scheduled regular visits with a team that consists of nurses, hospice aides, social work, chaplain plus access to a range of other services and programs that best meet your physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
TESTIMONIALS
Hear from others on their experience with VistaRiver
I am a health care professional who recently has had the pleasure to work with the VistaRiver hospice team for the first time in my community. The nursing team is compassionate, attentive, and easy to work with. They get us exactly what we need in a timely manner to keep our patients comfortable as they approach the end of their life. They stop by several times to ensure we are happy with their services and are prompt to address any needs or issues. I look forward to the continued opportunity to work with their team for our hospice needs!
T
Taylor Gonzales
People who fear hospice need to know what a positive force this service is. Everyone from VistaRiver was kind, skilled, and patient. Sif and Kelly spent hours of extra time training us and caring for my mom. And now when we have billing questions from hospital or pharmacy, the office staff is so helpful.
C
Carol Barnard
My mom was on hospice with Vista River and I don't think we could have had a better provider. From the very first visit I was truly impressed. My family was thoroughly educated and my mom was assessed. They provide many services and all the providers we met were so competent, compassionate and caring. I was able to call if I had concerns and we worked together. One of the nurses went out of her way to come on her day off and it truly was miraculous. She brightened my world. I so appreciate these professionals guiding us through this time!
R
Rita Morquez
My dad was on hospice with this company for almost 2 weeks before his passing. All of the staff that we interacted with during that time were great. They got us the supplies that we needed and were there anytime we had a question. My family especially wants to thank the nurse Kellie. She was available when we needed her, educated us on the process was overall an amazing person. If anyone I know will ever need a hospice company recommendation, it will be for Vista River Hospice.
J
Jessica Cameron
Volunteering in the VistaRiver Hospice office has been a genuine blessing for me. The level of caring and professionalism is incredible. Employees are very attentive and very supportive. Even in the most challenging times, they embrace those in need with patience, respect, skill, and love. I am very fortunate to volunteer in such a beautiful environment.
S
Sharon Zelinsky
OUR CARE TEAM
Our Team Cares About
You And Your Family
Cathe Day, BSN, CHPN, NPD-BC
Discipline:
Executive Director
Hospice Why?
Executive Director
Donna Lawson-Koci
Discipline:
Volunteer Manager
Hospice Why?
Volunteer Manager
Dr. Nate Ruden
Discipline:
Medical Director
Hospice Why?
Medical Director
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most frequently asked questions are just a click away. We are available by phone or email
See All AnswersWhere does hospice care take place?
The majority of hospice patients are cared for in their own homes or the homes of a loved one. “Home” may also be broadly construed to include services provided in nursing homes, assisted living centers, hospitals…wherever the patient considers to be home.
How is hospice care paid for?
Most people receiving hospice care are covered by the Medicare hospice benefit. This benefit covers virtually all aspects of hospice care with little out-of-pocket expense to the patient or family. As a result, the financial burdens usually associated with caring for a terminally ill patient are virtually nonexistent. In addition, most private health plans and Medicaid in most states and the District of Columbia cover hospice services.
Who qualifies for hospice care?
Hospice care is for any person who has a life-threatening or terminal illness. Most reimbursement sources require a prognosis of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course. All hospices consider the patient and family together as the unit of care.
What role do volunteers play in hospice care?
Hospice provides trained volunteers to aid the family and patients. Most hospice volunteers are trained to relieve the primary caregivers, do household chores, and help bathe the patients. Perhaps the most important task, however, is their ability to be “good listeners.” Volunteers also support the work of the hospice program that might not involve patient or family interaction.
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CONTACT
You Are Not Alone.
We're Here to Help—Reach Out Anytime.
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If you have any question or want to speak with someone, we’d love to hear from you. A real person will reach out to you in 24 hours!
Phone Number:
503-542-7090Email Address:
info@vistariver.com