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What is Hospice Care?
By: Denise Long, M.D. - Highland Clinic
The concepts of Hospice, center on providing comfort and dignity to the dying patient. The focus becomes quality of like rather than length. Care is centered on the patient-not the disease. Physical, emotional and spirtual care will be provided-often in the patients own home.
Hospice care is appropriate for those who can no longer expect a cure for their illness and their life expectancy is generally about 6 months or less. You, your family and your physician can determine when this program is appropriate. Hospice services are usually covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurance plans.
Hospice care involves a team of health care workers and volunteers to provide services with access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- This team is led by a Hospice Medical Director; however your Physician will almost always continue to be involved in your care.
- A Registered Nurse will coordinate your care and visit regularly.
- Nursing Aides are available to provide practical care; assisting your care giver with activities such as bathing, dressing and other tasks that your family has difficulty providing.
- Social Workers help with psychosocial issues, counseling, and access to other services.
- Patients often have different spirtual needs and a chaplain or a clergy member will help provide appropriate spiritual focus.
- Finally, specially trained volunteers are available to patients and their families for a wide variety of services.
Services provided through Hospice will focus on pain control and control of symptoms, medical supplies, equipment, and medications relating to the illness.
Care is usually in the patient's home but short term hospitalization and respite care for family members is available. Bereavement care following death is available for families.
Death is the final stage in the cycle of life. Hospice care embraces this time. If you have questions if this type of care is appropriate for you or a family member, please feel free to discuss this with your physician.
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