Developmentally Disabled Care

Special Care for Patients with Special Needs

When adults with developmental disabilities are affected by life-limiting illness, they require and deserve special care. Our program provides focused hospice care to meet the special needs of patients with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disability, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism.

Care Dimensions’ interdisciplinary team of professionals is dedicated to quality end-of-life care for people with developmental disabilities, as well as to supporting families and caregivers. We hear our patients’ voices and include patients and families in decision-making so they can maintain their independence as long as possible.

Where You Need Us to Be

Care Dimensions cares for patients in multiple locations:

• At home
• In group homes
• In assisted living and skilled nursing facilities
• In hospitals
• At our inpatient hospice houses— the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers and the Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln

Multidimensional Care

Our program provides a full range of hospice care services, including:

• Individualized pain and symptom relief plan
• Kaplan Family Hospice House or the Care Dimensions Hospice House for respite care or symptom management
• Medication, supplies and equipment
• 24/7 medical, emotional and spiritual support
• Family grief support
• Pain and symptom management
• Caregiver education
• Complementary therapies
• Grief support

Our Developmentally Disabled Hospice Program Team

Care Dimensions helps patients and caregivers communicate needs, navigate the healthcare system and plan for the future. Our interdisciplinary team brings together the skills and experience of:

• Board certified physician specializing in hospice care coordinates care with primary physician and specialists
• Specially trained nurse manages symptoms and pain
• Hospice aide assists with daily personal care
• Social worker helps patients and families cope with emotional and practical issues
• Spiritual counselor offers non-denominational spiritual support
• Complementary therapist relieves stress through music, art, massage and more
• Trained volunteer provides companionship
• Bereavement counselor helps families  and group home residents prepare for death and cope with grief