Hospice

What is hospice?

The term hospice was used long ago to refer to a type of lodging for travelers. Hospices were places where they could find rest and comfort during their journeys. Today hospice refers to a concept of compassionate care for people in the final phase of a life-threatening illness.

If you are ill and have a limited life expectancy, hospice may be a better choice for your care than a hospital. Your health care provider, other health care professionals, family, friends, or clergy may make the referral to hospice.

Hospice seeks to neither hasten nor postpone death. The emphasis is on quality of life and dignity. Hospice recognizes your social, emotional, and spiritual needs as well as your physical needs. It can help prepare you for a peaceful death at home or in a homelike setting.

Treating the whole person

Care provided by hospice includes you and your family. All of you are involved in making decisions. Whenever possible, you are encouraged to make decisions about your treatment, relationships, personal business, and preferences about burial and memorial services. Hospice provides grief counseling for your family.

Providing a team approach

A team of trained professionals provides services: doctors, nurses, clergy, social workers, therapists, aides, and volunteers. The team members address your medical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs.

Controlling pain

In nearly all cases you can be given medicine that will allow you to feel almost no pain. Usually the dosage can be kept at a level that also allows you to remain alert. Hospice staff members are specially trained in control of pain and other symptoms so you can be as comfortable as possible.

Types of hospices

Hospice can offer help and support at any time, day or night, 7 days a week. Usually care is offered at home. In some towns there are hospices where you can stay. Some hospitals and nursing homes have wings used for hospice care. If both your home and an inpatient hospice are available, you may spend time in both places.

Cost of hospice

Studies have shown that hospice care often costs less than conventional care during the last 6 months of life. Usually less high-cost technology is used. Also, family, friends, and volunteers may provide much of your daily care.

For more information

The rules for enrollment can be different from one hospice to another. Some programs offer prehospice counseling to people who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. For more information about hospice or to find a hospice in your area, you can contact:

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

Hospice help line: 1-800-658-8898

Web site: http://www.nhpco.org