What Is Hospice Care?

The diagnosis of a terminal illness begins a difficult period for a patient and his family. For those who have limited time left due to terminal illness, hospice provides comfort and assistance for end-of-life care. Hospice professionals are trained specifically at caring for the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects associated with dying. The role of a hospice care partner is to provide help, support and dignity for a person with little time left to live.

History

The word hospice is derived from “hospitality,” which is a practice of caring and providing for others. The first hospice care program, Saint Christopher’s Hospice, was established in 1967 in London. Since that time, education has promoted the purpose of hospice through information about grief, death and dying with dignity. Legislatures have enacted laws to provide financial benefits for those in need of hospice services. Many guidelines now regulate the quality of care associated with hospice, setting standards so those who are dying receive the best care.

Terminal Illness

Hospice is provided for those who are diagnosed with a terminal illness and have six months or less left to live. Hospice is designed to provide comfort and support for people who no longer wish to treat their illness but instead want to manage symptoms in their final days. Many people receive hospice care in the comfort of their own home, which allows for family and friends to be present, if desired. A specialized plan of care may be written for a patient, which guides hospice caregivers according to desired wishes and comfort goals. Types of terminal illness that require a need for hospice care include severe heart disease, cancer, liver or kidney disease, and other incurable illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease, AIDS and Parkinson’s disease.

The Hospice Team

Hospice care workers are made up of a team of experts from various backgrounds who see patients depending on need. Physicians direct the overall care and write orders for prescriptions and therapies needed for comfort. Nurses visit patients and provide physical services, such as help with daily activities and administration of medications. Occupational therapists may help with such activities as eating so that a patient may continue to feed himself. Speech therapists may assist with communication. Trained counselors may work with patients and family members to discuss feelings associated with the process. All members of the team provide services that will give a patient as much dignity as possible throughout the process of dying.

Bereavement

Terminal illness affects more than a suffering patient. Family members may be dealing with grief while knowing their loved one is dying. Hospice care can provide bereavement services for family members managing feelings of loss. According to the Hospice Patients Alliance, bereavement care is needed before the actual death of a hospice client. Patients and family members grieve, knowing of future lost opportunities and interactions together. Bereavement services provide counseling and support for grieving patients and families by teaching appropriate coping skills and practices for managing grief and depression.

Payment

A terminal illness is a difficult time that does not need to be further complicated by financial worry about how to pay for services. Many patients receiving hospice care do not wish to leave medical bills behind for their family to cover. Hospice care can be partly paid by insurance if a patient has coverage. Medicare benefits provide payment for certain amounts, but limitations may apply. For patients who do not have insurance, Medicaid may provide resources, depending on eligibility. Some hospice organizations also offer financial gift benefits for those in need.