Pathways Hospice, Community Care for Northern Colorado
Interdisciplinary Team Integral in Providing Hospice
Care - Pathways Social Worker Recognized
information and ideas so that each
team member effectively meets the
changing needs and wishes of the
patient and family.
When a person accepts Pathways
Hospice care at the end of life, they
are cared for by an interdisciplinary
team of professionals and volunteers
who will address a variety of needs.
We first ask patients and families what
their goals and hopes are for hospice
care. These goals form the foundation
of our plan of care. Care strategies
evolve to remain in line with these
goals as patients’ needs change. The
core hospice care team is made up of
a Registered Nurse, Certified Nurse’s
Aide, Social Worker, Chaplain, and
Music Therapist. Our full-time Medical
Director provides consultation and
oversight.
The concept of the interdisciplinary
team (IDT) approach is central
to the clinical work at Pathways
Hospice. This approach ensures good
communication between and among
the different disciplines providing
care to patients and families. Most
importantly, it ensures that the
care being given is comprehensive,
addressing the multi-faceted needs of
each individual. The interdisciplinary
approach involves team members
working together to exchange
6
When the Colorado Center for
Hospice and Palliative Care called for
nominations for a 2011 award in the
category of Interdisciplinary Team
Member, Rick Riddoch immediately
came to mind. Rick joined Pathways
Hospice with a Master in Social
Work and a Master of Divinity. His
responsibilities include being the
primary Social Worker at our Pathways
Hospice Care Center serving the
needs of acutely ill patients and their
families, and providing social work
support to Pathways Hospice patients
in southern Larimer County. He is
actively involved in helping others
in his profession as a preceptor for
interns at Pathways Hospice. Rick is
the first Social Worker in Colorado to
receive the Advanced Certified Hospice
& Palliative Care Social Worker (ACHPSW) designation and is a member of
many national hospice and social work
organizations.
Clinical Team Director for the Care
Center, Judy Platt, and Clinical Team
Director for Home Care, Julianne
Graul, elaborate on Rick’s work. “Rick
has the heart of a servant, always
willing to assist clients, co-workers,
and his agency. He provides excellent
customer service and brings a very
calming and peaceful presence to his
work. Rick considers each patient
and family uniquely and honors the
dynamics of each family’s situation.
He is very knowledgeable about
community resources and goes
the extra mile to assist patients
and families. Rick is dedicated to
broadening his knowledge of social
work and end-of-life care and sharing
that knowledge with others.”
On October 27, 2011, the Colorado
Center for Hospice and Palliative
Care presented Rick with the
Interdisciplinary Team Member
Award, recognizing him as a team
member who has made a significant
impact through his excellent work.
We are proud to work with Rick
and congratulate him for this well
deserved acknowledgment.
A patient and family meet with Pathways Hospice Team Members.