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Hospice is a concept of caring derived
from medieval times, symbolizing a place where
travelers, pilgrims and the sick, wounded or dying could
find rest and comfort. The contemporary hospice offers a
comprehensive program of care to patients and families
facing a life-threatening illness. Hospice is primarily
a concept of care, not a specific place of care.
Hospice emphasizes palliative rather than
curative treatment; quality rather than quantity of
life.
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Dying people are comforted.
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Professional medical care is given,
and sophisticated symptom relief provided.
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The patient and family are both
included in the care plan, and emotional, spiritual
and practical support is given based on the
patient’s wishes and family’s needs.
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Trained volunteers can offer respite
care for family members as well as meaningful
support to the patient.
Hospice affirms life and regards dying as
a normal process. Hospice neither hastens nor postpones
death. Hospice provides personalized services and a
caring community so that patients and families can
attain the necessary preparation for a death that is
satisfactory to them.
Those involved in the process of dying
have a variety of physical, spiritual, emotional and
social needs. The nature of dying is so unique that the
goal of the hospice team is to be sensitive and
responsive to the special requirements of each
individual and family.
Hospice care is provided to patients who
have a limited life expectancy. Although most hospice
patients are cancer patients, hospices accept anyone,
regardless of age or type of illness. These patients
have also made a decision to spend their last months at
home or in a homelike setting. Excerpt from
The Hospice Net
Locating a Hospice
Information about local hospices serving
your area may be available from these sites:
Hospice Resources
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ABCD- Americans for Better Care of the Dying,
Social, professional, and policy reform aimed at
improving the care system for seriously ill patients and
their families.
American
Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, An
international organization of physicians dedicated to
the advancement of hospice and palliative medicine.
American Academy of Family Physicians, Hospice care
in the nursing home.
American Cancer Society, What is hospice?
Caring Connections, It’s about how you live.
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Hospice –
Educational Resource Web Guide.
Dying Well, Defining wellness through the end of
life.
GrowthHouse, Inc., Access To Hospice Care Report.
Hospice Association of America, A Consumer Guide.
Hospice Care: When comfort, not cure, is the focus
Hospice and Palliative Care Federation of Massachusetts,
The 5 Ws of Hospice Care.
Hospice Foundation of America, When your dying
friend needs help.
Hospice Net, Resources for patients and families
facing life-threatening illnesses.
Hospice Patients Alliance, Choosing the right
hospice in your area.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Idaho
hospice listing.
Idaho State Hospice Organization, Promoting and
providing access to quality hospice and palliative care.
Issues to Consider When Starting a Teen Hospice Program,
Quick and easy reference guide to putting together a
successful teen hospice program.
Medicare Rights Center, Hospice information flyer.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization,
All about hospice care.
Providing Hospice and Palliative Care in Rural and
Frontier Areas, a
technical assistance toolkit designed to support
providers seeking to enhance access to such services.
The Hospice Life Review Form Tracking sheet with key
questions for performing a life review in a hospice
program. Students should be trained in the process of
conducting a life review before using this tool.
WebMDHealth, Hospice Care.
What is Hospice Care? |
