"We are all just walking each other home." -Ram Dass
"We are all just walking each other home." -Ram Dass
Who Provides Care?
The Aroostook House of Comfort provides the facility or “house” for patients to receive hospice care services. The medical care is administered by Northern Light Home Care & Hospice, the only local Medicare-certified hospice provider in the area. The team includes a hospice physician, nurses, social workers, healthcare aides, spiritual care coordinator, bereavement support counselor, and trained volunteers, as well as a primary care physician or specialist.
The hospice care team surrounds the patient and family with a “circle of care” made up of several professionals focused on providing spiritual, social, emotional, and medical support.
This approach ensures the decision-making process includes the patient and family, allowing greater control over their care. The Northern Light Home Care & Hospice team is made up of the following people:
Consults with other physicians and leads the hospice team in the development of an individualized plan of care.
Evaluate patient and family needs, ensure symptom control and pain management. They also coordinate care with attending physician and facility staff.
Deliver direct personal care to the patient and report specific needs to the care manager. They are also available to offer emotional support to the patient and family.
Provide companionship and non-medical assistance to the patient and family such as food preparation and emotional support.
Certifies terminal prognosis, prescribes treatment, directs and approves the patient plan of care, and coordinates with the hospice team.
Evaluate patient’s and family ‘s emotional, social, and financial needs. They can also provide direct counseling or referrals to appropriate local agencies.
Determines spiritual needs of the patient and his/her family, provides counseling, assists with memorial or funeral preparations and provides access to clergy.
Some therapies, including music therapy and massage, offer comfort to the patient and family.
Meet the Hospice Care Team
The people who offer a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
Richard Duncan
Aroostook House of Comfort Chairman
Mike MacPherson
Aroostook House of Comfort
Vice Chairman
Robin Haynes
Northern Light Home Care & Hospice
Hospice Volunteer Coordinator
Gail Phair-Kirk
Northern Light Home Care & Hospice House Manager
Christine Turner
Northern Light Home Care & Hospice
Director of Hospice Care
David Jones, MD
Northern Light Home Care & Hospice
Hospice Physician
George McLaughlin
Northern Light Home Care & Hospice Bereavement Coordinator & Chaplain
TESTIMONIALS
What People Say About Us
I have seen the compassionate care patient receive here. There is nothing but praise and gratitude from families that we now have this home atmosphere to treat all levels of patient suffering. The relief and stress are gone; families can relax and be there to support their loved one.
Nancy T. O’Neill, MD, FAAFP
The nurses, doctor, and volunteers treated us with the way you would want to be treated and our loved one was treated with gentle care and loving attention. The facility was so well planned, giving families room to spend with a loved one, and spaces for a few minutes of quiet time. We are so thankful for the experience.
Judy Kenney, family of Virginia Packard
Support Aroostook House of Comfort
Your gift helps provide hospice care to the people of Aroostook County.