HOSPICE

Hospice is a philosophy of care, not a place. The word hospice comes from the word “hospitality”. The concept of hospice has been evolving since the 11th century. The original hospices were places of hospitality for the sick, wounded, or dying or for those traveling and seeking shelter.

Today’s hospice is a special type of care that is offered to people who have a life-limiting illness. It is for those who have reached a point in their lives when the goals of care become comfort focused. They seek to relieve pain and other symptoms and to prevent suffering. They understand that a cure for their illness is no longer a reality, or they have chosen to no longer seek aggressive treatment.

Most people want to spend the end of their life in the comfort of their home, surrounded by their loved ones and the things that have meaning for them. Hospice is provided in the home, wherever you call home. This can be in your own home, assisted living, skilled nursing facility, or other setting.

You will be an important part of a team of people who will develop a plan of care that is specific to your needs. That team will include nurses, physicians, social workers, spiritual care coordinators, certified nursing assistants, volunteers and more. This team will work to effectively manage your symptoms that are physical, emotional, spiritual and social in nature. The team will assist in completing any unfinished business or end of life tasks that are important for you.

Care continues into the bereavement period, with support provided to your loved ones for an extended period of time after death occurs.

Knowing when to call hospice is important. Choosing the right hospice is also important. We understand the need to help you through this process of decision making by offering you the best choices as you move along the continuum of care for your health.