Hospice and Football Very Much Alike

With the Super Bowl approaching, we could not help but notice the surprising similarities between a football team and a hospice care team. With each person’s particular role and expertise working together as one unit for a shared purpose, each “team” member contributes their own specialized skill to support the goal.  

In football each player is part of the team, and at NJ Health Hospice and Palliative Care we refer to our staff as team members. Our website njhealthteam.com reflects that philosophy.

“It is a team approach to caring for our patients and their families and supporting them with end-of-life care. Each professional plays a vital role—nurses manage symptoms, aides provide personal care, social workers support families, chaplains guide spiritually, volunteers provide companionship,” explains Suzanne Martinelli, CEO and Hospice Administrator, noting there are other team members behind the scenes managing operations, care plans and providing additional support.

While fans rally around their football team, in hospice care it is a support system of family, friends, and community partners providing support that extends far beyond medical care.

A football the team studies specific plays and plans strategies against their opponent, and the hospice care team develops individualized care plans based on the patient's needs, ideals, and symptoms, all again for the goal of quality end-of-life care.

The football team’s achievement is determined by a win, but for the hospice team we do not keep score, and measure success by the comfort, dignity, peace, and meaningful moments we can provide for the patient and family. Like football, we also work against the clock. For our patients, time is precious, and our focus is on making every moment meaningful and comfortable.

In football the teammates lean on one another after a loss or celebrate after a win. In hospice care we know that the patient’s passings is an inevitable part of the journey.  The hospice team grieves the loss alongside the family and supports one another emotionally, honoring the life of each person entrusted in our care.

NJHealth Hospice and Palliative Care is a recognized leader in southern New Jersey, providing compassionate and quality end-of-life care to the community. If you or someone you love could benefit from our support, call us anytime at 856-696-5340.

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