Hospice 101: What Is Hospice?

Hospice is one of those topics that seems to have a negative connotation for many and I believe it is due, in great part, to lack of information about Hospice.  I hope to help clear this up with the next few blog posts.

A few years back I was talking to a family about Hospice services for their loved one.  The family was very distraught about the situation and very apprehensive about starting Hospice services.  As the conversation went on I learned that their understanding of Hospice was that we actually ended the life of the individual.  I can clearly see why they were hesitant and I can assure you that  Hospice, in NO uncertain terms, assists ANYONE in ending their life.

 Hospice in the United States has grown from a volunteer-led movement to improve care for people dying alone, isolated, or in hospitals, to a significant part of the health care system. In 2008, 1.45 million individuals and their families received hospice care. Hospice is the only Medicare benefit that includes pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, twenty-four hour/seven day a week access to care and support for loved ones following a death. Hospice care is also covered by Medicaid and most private insurance plans. Most hospice care is delivered at home. Hospice care is also available to people in home-like hospice residences, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, veterans' facilities, hospitals, and prisons.

Hospice Care is a service intended to care for those who have a terminal illness and are no longer seeking curative treatments.  A doctor must first certify that, with the natural process of the illness, the patient is probably looking at a 6 month or less life expectancy. Some patients will surpass this time frame, some will pass away before the 6 months.  The 6 month life expectancy is just an estimation by the Doctor.  I have seen many patients live well beyond a year after qualifying for hospice care.

I find that many families call for Hospice services when their loved one is suffering great pain and is in the last days of their life. I encourage everyone to consider the difference Hospice can make even before this situation. To keep someone out of pain, not drugged and "out of it", but truly comfortable, is one of the biggest blessings of hospice. When pain is decreased, "living" is increased. When a terminal patient has pain relief, the quality of life is much better.  Hospice also serves the family of the patient providing social services and spiritual support during, and after, losing their loved one.  

So, what is Hospice? Nursing care intended to provide comfort, dignity, and  improved quality of life for terminally ill patients as well as social services and spiritual support for the patient and their family.  In short, we make the most of every minute that is left.

I would love to hear your experiences with  or questions on Hospice services.