Hospice is medical care with the goal of comfort and dignity for someone whose life is drawing to a close. It is, in fact, the “something more” for someone who has been told nothing more can be done for them. Hospice provides high-quality pain management and symptom control with the [...]
Hospice patients receive care from registered nurses who specialize in hospice care, home health aides, social workers, spiritual care counselors, and bereavement staff. Patients keep their own physicians, but we do have a hospice medical director who is Board Certified in Hospice and Palliative Care overseeing care. This “interdisciplinary team” [...]
Not anymore. When hospice began in the mid 1970s, most hospice patients had cancer. Today, while many hospice patients still have cancer, the majority have other life-limiting illnesses such as end stage heart, lung, or kidney disease, or Alzheimer’s dementia.
Hospice care is provided wherever people call home — their residence, assisted living facility or nursing home.
Medicare covers 100% of hospice services. Hospice can also accept Medicaid, Veterans administration benefits and private insurances.
Although end of life care may be difficult to discuss, it is best for family members to share their wishes long before it becomes a concern. This can greatly reduce stress when the time for hospice is needed. By having discussions in advance, people are not forced into uncomfortable situations. [...]
Hospice focuses on living life to the fullest while experiencing a life-limiting illness. Hospice is a holistic approach to end of life care, focusing on quality of life and offering physical, emotional and spiritual comfort.