After hours, you may feel like you’re “on your own,” and the thought of a medical emergency or health issue causes panic and uncertainty. But you can put those fears to rest when you work with us at 3HC. Our nurse hotline for seniors and after-hours care ensures that you can get help for yourself or your loved one because we understand that hospice needs don’t always arise between 9 to 5.

“We want you to know that we are always available to you and help is here no matter what time of the day or night,” said Jamie Simmons, Chief Clinical Officer. “By working with our after-hours care, you can avoid unnecessary emergency room visits and the resulting huge medical bills. We know that time is critical in these situations, and our experienced healthcare team is ready to respond. It’s just one more way that we treat you as if you were family.”

We will review when it is appropriate to use our after-hours care and how it enables us to provide the highest level of care for you or your loved one.

Are 3HC’s On-Call Nurses Available 24/7?

Yes! We have experienced nurses who are ready to take your call at any time of the day or night. After hearing your concern, they’ll take action, whether that means providing pain relief or administering medication to help alleviate symptoms.

One of the benefits of our after-hours care is that it helps you avoid unnecessary emergency room visits. However, we do recognize that there are some times when an ER visit is needed. Our nurses will work with you to help determine the appropriate course of action.

All 3HC after-hours care nurses have extensive training in caring for hospice patients, and they all embrace our philosophy of treating you like family. We’re on this journey together, so never hesitate to reach out to us if you need help.

What Medical Events Can On-Call Nurses Help With?

Our after-hours care nurses can help you with events such as:

• Medication side effects
• Pain management
• Symptom management
• Health assessments
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Speaking with our nurses will also help you determine if your situation can be managed at home, potentially saving you from making a trip to the hospital.

What Type of Medical Questions Can On-Call Nurses Answer?

Our nurses can answer questions related to your condition, particularly those that center around symptom management. They can also provide insight into your medications, their potential side effects, and dosages.

Since immediate concerns can escalate into emergencies, we encourage you to contact one of our nurses as soon as you or your loved one begins experiencing difficulty. Addressing the issue promptly will help ensure you receive the maximum possible care at home.

Should I Call an On-Call Nurse Or Emergency Services?

When you speak with one of our on-call, after-hours nurses at 3HC, they will walk you through the situation, providing valuable insight into whether or not emergency services are needed.

After Hours Care at 3HC: Treating You Like Family 24/7

Our dedication to your care doesn’t stop at 5 p.m. We understand that situations arise that may need attention, and these can occur at any time. By reaching out to our after-hours care team, you can spare yourself from multiple hospital visits for issues that could be resolved in your own home.

Interested in learning more about how we place our patients’ needs as a top priority? Contact us for more information. Our family looks forward to helping your family.

The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.

Sources:

Chong, PH., Lee, J., Yeo, ZZ. et al. Utilisation of after-hours telephone support in a home-based hospice service. BMC Palliat Care 21, 159 (2022).  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12904-022-01049-5

National Institutes of Health, “Taking Medicines Safely,” https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/medicines-and-medication-management/taking-medicines-safely-you-age ]