Hospice care is given when a patient no longer responds effectively to treatment and has a life expectancy of six months or less. It does not speed up death or delay it. Quality of life in hospice is more important than the length of time the patient has left.
Services Provided
Services provided vary at each hospice, however they all provide care and services such as:
- Psychological, spiritual guidance and helping to cope with dying
- Pain and symptom management
- Provide short term inpatient services when pain and symptoms become too great, and when family members need respite time
- Teaching family members how to care for their loved one
- Provide medical equipment, drugs, and supplies
- Offer bereavement care and counseling to surviving family members
Hospice Care Is Given In Many Settings
Hospice care can be given in the patients home, a hospital, independently owned hospice home or a nursing facility that provides hospice care. They all share a family oriented environment, allowing family members to be caregivers. While in the United States, most patients choose their home as their hospice, independent homes can offer support and services for those who do not have family members to care for them.
All hospices are staffed with trained professionals, such as physicians, specially trained nurses, members of the clergy, psychologists and social workers.
Choosing hospice care is a personal decision made by the patient. A physician or family member cannot force a patient into a hospice environment. It is important for the patient to be fully aware of their options in end of life care. Hospice is a choice that can improve quality of life and allow family members to be more involved in the time they have left with their loved one.
