Diana Cazier Shares: Hospice Care Serves Patients AND Family

Diana Cazier

            Hospice care is only appropriate for the terminally ill patient who is no longer seeking curative measures.  A great number of Hospice patients are dying of cancer, the reason being that it is easier to give a timeframe to the life expectancy, but it is available for any terminal illness.  A physician certifying a medical diagnosis of a life expectancy of 6 months or less is required for the Medicare Hospice Benefit

.           Although supported by the employees and volunteers of the organization, the primary caregiver in the home is the key team member.  This person may be a family member or a friend but will be the person responsible for round-the-clock care of the patient.  The Hospice organization will give training and support to the primary caregiver and others involved in the care of the patient.  Care begins when the patient is admitted to the program.   A Hospice team member visits the home to learn about the situation and needs of both the family and the patient.  Return visits are set up so that the needs of both the patient and primary caregivers can be re-evaluated regularly. To handle around-the-clock patient needs or crises, Home Hospice programs have an on-call nurse who answers phone calls day and night, makes home visits, or sends a team member that may be needed between scheduled visits. Medicare-certified Hospices must provide nursing, pharmacy, and doctor services around the clock.  The Hospice team is specially trained to provide medical assistance and to deal with the loneliness and fears experienced by both the patient and his or her loved ones.   The Hospice team works with the patient and primary caregiver to develop a personalized care plan. The team respects patient wishes and helps to foster communication amongst family members.

            The most important thing to understand about Hospice is that it is all about taking care of the patient.  What better peace of mind could a family have than to know that they have the support needed to give their loved one the best care possible.  Hospice provides the resources to relieve suffering and provide comfort during the final stages of life.

            Next week we will discuss the impact that Hospice has on the family of the Hospice patient