We’re pleased to provide Understanding Hospice, an educational series we plan to post over the next few months that will outline different aspects of hospice care such as:
- What is Hospice?
- Key Questions and Concerns About Hospice
- Truths About Hospice
- Importance of Self Care for Caregivers
- and more!
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What is Hospice?
Hospice is a type of end-of-life care for those facing a life-limiting condition in which the focus shifts from curative measures to care which comforts and supports patients and their families by addressing physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.
Provides physical, social, emotional and spiritual support
A medical team made up of the hospice doctor, possibly the patient’s primary physician, and a registered nurse work together to provide care designed to control physical pain and symptoms in a way that allows patients to remain as alert and pain-free as possible. Certified nursing aides (CNA) and home health aides (HHA) assist with more routine needs such as bathing and dressing, turning or repositioning patients who are bedridden and many other tasks. A social worker, chaplain and trained volunteers work to provide social, emotional and spiritual support to both the patient and their family.
Individualized care plan
Each patient’s individualized care plan is updated as needed to address the physical, emotional and spiritual pain that can accompany terminal illness. Hospice care also offers practical support for the caregiver(s) during the illness and grief support after the passing.
Comprehensive care for the patient and the family
Hospice aims to provide complete supportive care aimed at relieving physical symptoms and giving social, emotional, and spiritual support to the patient and their family. This comprehensive care can be provided in a patient’s home, an assisted living facility, hospital, nursing home or private hospice facility.
Reclaim the spirit of life
When faced with an advanced illness, many patients and family members tend to dwell on the imminent loss of life rather than on making the most of the life that remains. Hospice helps patients reclaim the spirit of life.
