Hospice is a specialized, compassionate approach to caring for those with serious illness who may have weeks or months, rather than years, to live. The focus is on caring for the whole person, with expert pain and symptom management and emotional and spiritual support, to improve quality of life. When your illness is progressing despite aggressive treatments, and you and your family want to focus on comfort and quality of life, rather than curing your disease, it may be time to talk about hospice.
Care is provided in your home, wherever you call home, by a dedicated and specially trained interdisciplinary team of professionals, who work closely with your physicians.
Studies have shown those who choose hospice care actually can live longer and better lives. With enhanced quality of life, you can live more fully, in comfort and without pain.
Hospice care is provided by an interdisciplinary team which includes:
Hospice provides the medical equipment and medications needed for the support of the patient’s terminal illness.
Some agencies provide additional ancillary services which may include music therapy, pet therapy and massage therapy. The hospice team works together to develop a plan of care that meets the needs of the patient and family.
