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HOSPICE CARE
“You matter because of who you are. You matter to the last moment of your life, and we will do all we can , not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.”
By: Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the first modern hospice
What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is a special kind of care that focuses on the
quality of life for people and their caregivers who are
experiencing an advanced, life-limiting illness. Hospice
care provides compassionate care for people in the last
phases of incurable disease so that they may live as fully
and comfortably as possible.
The hospice philosophy accepts death as the final stage of life: it affirms life, but does not try to hasten or postpone death. Hospice care treats the person and symptoms of the disease, rather than treating the disease itself. A team of professionals work together to manage symptoms so that a person’s last days may be spent with dignity and quality, surrounded by their loved ones. Hospice care is also family-centered – it includes the patient and the family in making decisions.
When should hospice care start?
Hospice care is used when a disease, such as advanced cancer, gets to the point when treatment can no longer cure or control it. In general, hospice care should be used when a person is expected to live about 6 months or less if the illness runs its usual course. People with advanced cancer should have a discussion with their family members and doctor to decide together when hospice care should begin.
Studies show hospice care often is not started soon enough. Sometimes the doctor, patient, or family member will resist hospice because they think it means “giving up” or that there’s no hope. It's important to know that you can leave hospice and go into active cancer treatment any time you want. But the hope that hospice brings is a quality life, making the best of each day during the last stages of advanced illness.
Some doctors don’t bring up hospice, so the patient or family member might decide to start the conversation. If your treatment isn’t working anymore and you’ve run out of treatment options, you might want to ask your doctor or a member of your cancer care team about hospice.
What does hospice care provide?
All hospice providers must offer certain services. But they tend to have different approaches to service, staffing patterns, and types of support services offered.
Hospice Care Coverage?
Hospice Care Benefit is covered by Medicare, Medicaid or most other health insurance.