Hospice Care

Hospice is a philosophy of caring for patients whose medical conditions are not responding to treatment or for those who choose not to seek aggressive medical care at the end stage of life. It is a program for patients who are considered terminal and have a life expectancy of less than 6 months. The philosophy of hospice focuses on comfort – not cure. The goal of hospice is for the patient to remain as comfortable and pain-free as possible in their own home.

Did you know?

Hospice care is not just for the patient; assistance and support are provided to the family/caregiver also.
The Hospice Team consists of an interdisciplinary group of medical professionals who work together to ensure physical, emotional and spiritual needs are met. The Hospice Team includes the patient’s doctor, nurses, social workers, counselors, chaplains and trained volunteers.
Hospice care can be provided wherever an individual considers home. This may be a personal residence or long term care facility.
Regular home visits by the Hospice Team are scheduled based on the needs and desires of the patient/family. Hospice does not provide twenty-four hour care.
Medical equipment (such as hospital beds & oxygen), medical supplies and certain prescription drugs are generally provided by the Hospice.
Hospice is paid for by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance companies.
Bereavement services and grief support are available to family members for 13 months after the death of a patient.

Misconceptions about Hospice

MYTH: Hospice causes people to die sooner.
FACT: The Hospice Team will not hasten the death of any patient nor will they postpone it. Studies have shown that patients actually live longer and more comfortably with Hospice care than without. Hospice professionals are trained to treat pain and other symptoms of the illness to provide as much comfort as possible and allow a natural death to occur.

MYTH: Hospice is only for the last days of life.
FACT: Hospice is for individuals who have a life expectancy of 6 months or less. The full benefit of Hospice is realized when patients are able to utilize Hospice services for months rather than days.

MYTH: Patients who elect Hospice are not allowed to see their physician.
FACT: Patients are able to continue seeing their physician.

MYTH: Hospice care is only for people with cancer.
FACT: While cancer does represent a significant diagnosis for Hospice care, other common diagnoses among Hospice patients include heart failure, COPD, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and others.

MYTH: Hospice care is just for the elderly.
FACT: Hospice is for anyone facing a life-limiting illness, regardless of age.