Hearing the word “hospice”

Hospice is for people in the last phases of incurable disease so that they may live as fully and comfortably as possible. It works to ensure that one approaches the end of life with confidence, peace, comfort and dignity. It focuses on quality rather than length of life. Hospice is recommended when one’s life expectancy is approximately six months or less, given that the illness runs its predicted course. Hospice care is focused on comfort and support for the patient and the whole family. The overall goal is to make all those involved in the situation as comfortable as possible.

Hospice provides:

• Pain and symptom control

• Supervision of care at home or in a facility

• Spiritual care

• Coordinated family meetings

• Bereavement care for grieving loved ones after a loss

Types of hospice Home

Home hospice is care at home and is the most common form of hospice. In home hospice, a family member or close friend serves as the primary caregiver and is responsible for overseeing most of the care. For people without this support, organized care programs can lend a helping hand. Hospice professionals visit the home to provide supplementary services as needed by the patient and family.