What Is Hospice?

Answer:
The term hospice was first applied in 1967 by Dame

Cicely Saunders at St. Christopher’s Hospice in London to refer to specialized care for dying patients. Now, hospice care is meant to provide humane and compassionate care for people who are in the final stages of an incurable disease to make them as comfortable and fulfilled as possible.

The goal of hospice is to provide the patient the ability to have an alert, pain free life, as well as manage their symptoms, so they can be surrounded by their loved ones while they spend their last days in dignity. The person is treated instead of the disease. Hospice care is always family centered.

Most of the time, a complete interdisciplinary health team will manage the hospice care. Doctors, nurses, social workers, counselors, home health aides, clergy, therapists, and trained volunteers will all provide care for the patient. They will all have their specialties, and together they will be able to provide complete care in managing pain as well as giving social, emotional, and spiritual support.

The main focus of pain and symptom control is to allow the patient to be comfortable while staying in control of their life and having some enjoyment. They will manage side effects to eliminate as much pain as possible, while keeping the patient alert enough to be able to enjoy their family and make decisions.

Hospice care is also intended to care for the patient’s spiritual needs. Since no two people have the same philosophies and spiritual beliefs, spiritual care in hospice is catered to the patient’s specific needs. This can range from everything to an understanding of death to specific religious ceremonies and needs.

Hospice care can take place in the home, in the hospital, or in a specific hospice care facility. Due to the stress from providing care for a dying loved one, hospice can also provide for respite care. This is where the hospice provider will come in and give the family a break for a few days so they can get away to recharge.