The word "hospice" is often equated with end-of-life medical care. But hospice benefits reach far beyond a patient's physical condition to cover spiritual, psychological and social needs as well. The services even extend to a patient's family in the form of respite care and grief counseling. These benefits won't break the bank---with a doctor's order, hospice care can be paid for by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies.
Physical Care
Hospice medical care is palliative---aimed at controlling pain symptoms to help maintain the quality of a patient's life. A hospice nurse is assigned to each patient to take care of medical needs. This covers a lot of territory from keeping an eye on a physical condition to arranging for delivery of a wheelchair or hospital bed.
Companionship
A serious illness may engender feelings of loneliness and isolation. Hospice volunteers offer patients quality time by engaging them in conversation, reading to them and taking them on outings. Some volunteers bring therapy dogs to visit patients who are pet lovers.
Community Services
Hospice social workers can arrange community services such as meals and assistance with utility payments. A social worker can also provide aid with end-of-life planning and with residential transitions if needed.
Practical Touch
Hospice volunteers help with the practical things of life, such as doing grocery shopping and running errands. They provide respite care too---time off for friends and family members who are serving as caregivers. Hospice home-health workers provide services such as bathing and dressing.
Spiritual Care
Spiritual issues are often front and center for a patient at the end of life. Hospice chaplains and trained volunteers can provide spiritual counseling to patients and their families; if it's desired, a chaplain can perform a memorial service as well.
Emotional Support
Hospice staff and volunteers offer a sympathetic ear to patients and their families who would like to discuss emotional concerns. Hospice workers also provide bereavement services for many months after a death; some hospice programs have ongoing services such as support groups for those who have lost loved ones.
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