Metropolitan Jewish Hospice

The Metropolitan Jewish Hospice coordinates pain management and other needed services for terminally ill patients of any age living in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, The Bronx and Nassau County. Care can be received at home and/or in select skilled nursing facilities.

The program began as one of 15 state demonstrations in 1980 and has been certified by the Joint Commission since 1995. Hospice offers culturally sensitive care to patients and families of all faith traditions.

A primary care nurse coordinates all services for the patients. Hospice staff provides social work services, nutritional counseling and spiritual support. Hospice holds contracts with outside agencies to provide home health assistance, prescription medication and medical supplies. The program also recruits and trains volunteers who visit patients.

Hospice staff utilizes a number of inpatient facilities in several boroughs, including skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, for the provision of care. The program accepts individuals with Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance and managed care plans.

Orthodox Jewish patients

Because Orthodox Jewish patients look to Jewish law (Halakha) and tradition for guidance and answers regarding hospice care, Metropolitan Jewish Hospice created the Halachic Pathway that enables Orthodox Jewish patients to sign a Halachic Living Will if they so choose. Patients who choose the Halachic Pathway elect to have their care directed by a Halachic advisor in collaboration with their physician and Hospice’s medical director.

Specialized services

Hospice has specialized art and music therapy programs. The Art and Soul Project helps children and teens deal with the emotional effects of advanced illness or death of a loved one through therapeutic creative expression. The goal of the music therapy program is to make the lives of patients, many of whom are dealing with advanced illness, more comfortable and contented through the power of music.

External links

• Metropolitan Jewish Health System