Supportive Care Program

Supportive Care is designed to recognize those patients with advanced illness who may not be ready or appropriate for hospice services. Once a patient is designated as a Supportive Care patient, a trained CHHA registered nurse is assigned to the case. If the patient chooses to transition from Supportive Care to Hospice Buffalo, the same staff remains ont he case, thus giving continuity to the provision of care.

Criteria for Admission

• Patient has potentially life-limiting illness
• Patient may be receiving active treatment aimed at cure/remission, but would benefit from associated
• psychosocial support
• Patient is not psychologically ready for Hospice services
• Patient resides in Erie County.

Supportive Care Offers:

Skilled Nursing Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Respiratory Therapy Speech Therapy Medical Social Work Nutrition Counseling

In-hospital assessment Infusion Therapy Daily or itermittent care Pastoral Care Home Health Aides Volunteers 24 hour on call availability

Additional services available through Life Transitions Center

• Child Life Services
• Support Groups
• Bereavement Counseling
• Mental Health Services

Most health insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, private and group plans and HMO's offer home health care benefits. Insurance specialists are available to help determine the resources available to the patient for home health care.

To make a referral to the Supportive Care Program, please call (716) 686-8168