Hospice Education
The word “hospice” dates back to medieval times, when a hospice was a place where weary travelers could find shelter and temporary respite from their journeys. The modern concept of hospice is a comprehensive model of care with services specially tailored to meet the needs of people and families who are facing life-limiting illness.
While the meaning of hospice has evolved through the years, these basic values have not changed:
- People who face the end stages of their life due to illness deserve to live their final days to their fullest, surrounded by the persons and things which they hold dear.
- Family members and friends deserve to receive the support they need to cope with the many changes and challenges they will face.
To support and uphold these values, hospice has adopted the following philosophy and basic principles:
- Concentration of Care –The focus of hospice care is on the quality of remaining life rather than only extending life. Therefore, hospice works to provide effective pain management and symptom control. Hospice offers a coordinated program of care from the time of admission through bereavement. Hospice trains and facilitates family and other caregivers to meet their loved one’s needs.
- Patient and Family as the “Unit of Care” –Hospice recognizes that patients, families and caregivers will be affected by a life-limiting illness, needing the support of the hospice team.
- Hospice Interdisciplinary Group – Hospice uses a highly qualified, specially trained team of professionals and volunteers working together to meet the physiological, psychological, social, spiritual and economic needs of persons facing the end of life and bereavement.
- Interdisciplinary Group Plan of Care – The hospice interdisciplinary team collaborates on an on-going basis with a patient’s physician to develop and maintain an individualized plan of care based on the needs of the patient and family.
- Access to Care – Hospice offers services and support to all people and their families regardless of age, gender, nationality, creed, sexual orientation, disability, diagnosis, availability of a primary caregiver or ability to pay.
- Coordination and Continuity of Care – Hospice personnel are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for phone consultations or home visits. Hospice services are able to follow your loved one if there is a care setting change.
You and your family are unique, and the way in which you deal with this stage of life will also be unique. Hospice understands and supports your individuality. We are committed to helping you identify your specific needs and find ways to meet those needs.
We are born with the will to live. This strong drive helps you and your loved ones make each day the best it can be—filled with qualities of love, care, concern and support. We at Family Hospice will do all we can to help you find peace of mind in your own way and in your own time frame.
