FAQs
Suzanne’s is a Comfort Care home located in Perry NY.
*Comfort Care is End-of-life care for people who are diagnosed with a terminal illness and a prognosis of 3 months or less to live. We have had guests with us for as short as a few hours, a few days, or months. We are NOT a medical facility, or state regulated. We are a HOME for folks to be at peace in their final days.
Comfort Care homes rely on volunteers for personal care of our guests.
There is no cost to individuals/families staying at the home.
How are spiritual needs met?
If a guest has spiritual needs, we do our best to accommodate them with local Pastors connected with our home. Hospice also has spiritual contacts.
Can a guest go out to eat or go for a ride with family members?
Yes, if our guest is able to, and the family is willing, we encourage them to go do what they can do while they still can. We just require them to give us an approximate time they will return. We also allow visits from pets.
Do we ever call 911?
NO. Each guest has a Do Not Resuscitate MOLST form.
Are there requirements for a person to qualify for comfort care?
Yes. The person needs to have a Dr. noted terminal illness with 3 months or less to live, weigh 200 pounds or less and No behavioral issues and no medications that require needles or IV’s. If bed- bound we require a catheter.
How long are the shifts?
We have 4 hour day shifts and 8 to12 hour overnight shifts. Some people volunteer one to 2 shifts per week, and some do once a month. Volunteering is flexible to your needs.
Will I be alone on a shift?
Only if you feel you can do a shift alone. We would love to have you volunteer with a friend, or another volunteer.
Will I need to do personal care by myself?
No. The shift before and after can team up with you to take care of personal care.
What duties are included in personal care of our guests?
If needed, help folks with standing and moving to use the commode or bathroom. We provide basic hygiene if needed. We also offer food, drink, give medications [scheduled and as needed] and oral care.
Are there Liability issues to be concerned about?
NO. All Board members and volunteers are insured against liability and also protected by a background check.
What training is required to become a volunteer?
Suzanne’s requires you shadow our seasoned volunteers to know where items are located, what we do for our guests, how to administer medications, how to document during your shift.
Do I need medical training, CPR, and/or first aid to volunteer?
No
How is Hospice involved in Comfort Care?
When a guest is referred to us, we, along with the hospital, nursing home, or family member, contact Hospice. We and Hospice make sure they qualify for both Hospice and Comfort Care. Once they qualify, they will come to us, be admitted into hospice as well at Suzanne’s. Hospice will contact the guest’s doctor to order the medications we need for our guest. In addition Hospice will provide medical direction, nursing care, spiritual care, social workers and potentially music therapy. The hospice nurse will see the resident at least every 2 weeks, review care and help organize medications and is available 24 hrs. a day. In the interest of consistent communication, we request that you advise Suzanne and she will make contact with hospice.
Is there a nurse on duty at Suzanne’s?
NO. If there is a need for a nurse, the volunteer will call the Director ASAP and the Director will contact Hospice immediately.
What type of documentation / paperwork is required to be filled out on a shift?
Each shift you document medications given with time and dose. Also, what our guest has eaten, eliminated [urine, BM], mood, sleep, comfort.
Serving others at this difficult time in their lives is very rewarding. Please consider volunteering and feel free to ask any other questions you may have.