Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Hospice and Palliative Care?
Hospice care, which is a specialized form of palliative care, is designed to support those in the final stages of a terminal illness. It seeks to allow those with a terminal illness to live their remaining days in a pain-free manner, so they may spend their last days with dignity. Palliative care, which can be appropriate at any stage of an illness, is a special, holistic approach to health care that goes beyond the physical well being of the resident, attending to their spiritual, emotional and psychological needs as well.
2. What is Webster Comfort Care?
Webster Comfort Care is a comprehensive and compassionate 2-bed home for the dying in the Webster community. It is a true home-like atmosphere, not a health care facility or a hospital. We ascribe to the hospice philosophy of care that states that all persons have the right to die with dignity, to have enhanced quality of life, and to be as comfortable as possible. Our primary goal is to provide comfort care, symptom control and pain management for our residents, as well as to be a source of respite care for the families. Hands-on resident care is provided around the clock, along with meals, laundry, companionship, as well as emotional, social and spiritual support through volunteers, nurses and social workers. The resident’s primary care physician may continue to provide for their patient, or our volunteer medical director may assume the role. Another main goal is to provide the resident’s family and friends the needed support through the bereavement process. Other area homes include Pines of Peace in Ontario, Benincasa in Mendon, Serenity House in Victor, and Isaiah House in Rochester, to name just a few of the comfort care homes in the Rochester area.
3. Is it for Webster residents only?
No, Webster Comfort Care is NOT for Webster residents only. These services were formed in Webster as a result of the growing need for such a home on the East Side of Monroe County, but are not limited to these areas.
4. Who is eligible?
Admission to Webster Comfort Care will be based on those with the greatest need and the fewest options. A physician must have determined that the person has a terminal illness and is in their final three months of life. Referrals may be given from physicians, social workers, family members, local hospice agencies, clergy or the dying person themselves.
5. How are you funded?
The services will be provided free of charge to the residents. Because we are a completely independent, not-for-profit organization, financial support for Webster Comfort Care will be generated solely through community support and donations. Our budget is determined by the amount received each year from memorials, bequests, donations from individuals, corporations, service organizations, plus grants and fund-raising events. We are totally dependent on grants, financial gifts and donations to operate.
6. Do you receive assistance from the government?
We do not receive any financial funding from the government or from insurance companies. Upon opening, we will partner with local hospice agencies to assist in resident care, medication and medical supply costs, and advisory support through social work and nursing. They also will help to provide volunteer training and bereavement support.
7. Are volunteer opportunities available?
YES, YES, YES! In fact, we simply could not operate without volunteers. There are many volunteer roles, so please consider your individual gifts and how you might utilize those to further this cause. Click here for a description of all the volunteer roles and how to get a volunteer application. The greatest need is for Resident Care volunteers. Although a nursing background would be helpful, it is not necessary, as we will provide no-cost complete training (in-house training by our nurse). If you prefer not to work directly with residents, there are numerous other positions available to accommodate your needs. If you feel led to volunteer in any capacity, we strongly encourage you to set up an interview so that we may discuss it with you. Call 872-5290 between 9am and 4:30pm.