Hospice

What is a Hospice

Hospice is a service that is designed to provide people who are terminally ill and their families with medical, spiritual, and psychological support. Its aim is to improve your quality of life by keeping you as comfortable as possible in the final stages of life.

Who will be my providers when I begin hospice care?

Hospice teams often include:

  • A nurse.
  • A doctor. The hospice doctor will be available for your care, but you can include your regular doctor or nurse practitioner.
  • A social worker.
  • A counselor.
  • A religious leader (such as a chaplain).
  • A dietitian.
  • Therapists.
  • Trained volunteers who can help with care.

What services does hospice provide?

Hospice services can vary depending on the center or organization. Generally, they include:

  • Ways to keep you comfortable, such as:
    • Providing care in your home or in a home-like setting.
    • Working with your family and friends to help meet your needs.
    • Allowing you to enjoy the support of loved ones by receiving much of your basic care from family and friends.
  • Pain relief and symptom management. The staff will supply all necessary medicines and equipment so that you can stay comfortable and alert enough to enjoy the company of your friends and family.
  • Visits or care from a nurse and doctor. This may include 24-hour on-call services.
  • Companionship when you are alone.
  • Allowing you and your family to rest. Hospice staff may do light housekeeping, prepare meals, and run errands.
  • Counseling. They will make sure your emotional, spiritual, and social needs are being met, as well as those needs of your family members.
  • Spiritual care. This will be individualized to meet your needs and your family’s needs. It may involve:
    • Helping you and your family understand the dying process.
    • Helping you say goodbye to your family and friends.
    • Performing a specific religious ceremony or ritual.
  • Massage.
  • Nutrition therapy.
  • Physical and occupational therapy.
  • Short-term inpatient care, if something cannot be managed in the home.
  • Art or music therapy.
  • Bereavement support for grieving family members.

When should hospice care begin?

Most people who use hospice are believed to have less than 6 months to live.

  • Your family and health care providers can help you decide when hospice services should begin.
  • If you live longer than 6 months but your condition does not improve, your doctor may be able to approve you for continued hospice care.
  • If your condition improves, you may discontinue the program.

What should I consider before selecting a program?

Most hospice programs are run by nonprofit, independent organizations. Some are affiliated with hospitals, nursing homes, or home health care agencies. Hospice programs can take place in your home or at a hospice center, hospital, or skilled nursing facility. When choosing a hospice program, ask the following questions:

  • What services are available to me?
  • What services will be offered to my loved ones?
  • How involved will my loved ones be?
  • How involved will my health care provider be?
  • Who makes up the hospice care team? How are they trained or screened?
  • How will my pain and symptoms be managed?
  • If my circumstances change, can the services be provided in a different setting, such as my home or in the hospital?
  • Is the program reviewed and licensed by the state or certified in some other way?
  • What does it cost? Is it covered by insurance?
  • If I choose a hospice center or nursing home, where is the hospice center located? Is it convenient for family and friends?
  • If I choose a hospice center or nursing home, can my family and friends visit any time?
  • Will you provide emotional and spiritual support?
  • Who can my family call with questions?

Where can I learn more about hospice?

You can learn about existing hospice programs in your area from your health care providers. You can also read more about hospice online. The websites of the following organizations have helpful information:

You may also find more information by contacting the following agencies:

  • A local agency on aging.
  • Your local United Way chapter.
  • Your state’s department of health or social services.

Summary

  • Hospice is a service that is designed to provide people who are terminally ill and their families with medical, spiritual, and psychological support.
  • Hospice aims to improve your quality of life by keeping you as comfortable as possible in the final stages of life.
  • Hospice teams often include a doctor, nurse, social worker, counselor, religious leader,dietitian, therapists, and volunteers.
  • Hospice care generally includes medicine for symptom management, visits from doctors and nurses, physical and occupational therapy, nutrition counseling, spiritual and emotional counseling, caregiver support, and bereavement support for grieving family members.
  • Hospice programs can take place in your home or at a hospice center, hospital, or skilled nursing facility.
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