What is Hospice Care? And why could it be a great option for your loved ones?

Tarot
Written By Patricia Montoya

Care can come in many different forms. Patient care can range from specialty care — which involves care for a patient who has health complications that require a special knowledge within a medical area — to hospice care, a unique form of care which involves the ease of symptoms rather than curing a disease towards the end of life. 


What is Hospice Care? 

Hospice is a philosophy of care: it treats the patient rather than the disease, and it aims to improve their quality of life. Hospice care is a special kind of care in which the carer provides compassionate attention for people living in the last phase of their lives — so that they may live as comfortably as possible.

Hospice is founded on a principle that affirms life, but does not postpone death — it accepts death as the final stage in life. Hospice care focuses on treating the person and symptoms of the disease, rather than treating the disease. It manages the symptoms of the disease so that the patient can spend their last days with comfort and dignity while surrounded by their loved ones. 

Hospice care tends to be family-centered as well; both the patient and the family are involved  in decision making. The care places a high value on dignity, respect and the wishes of the individual and aims to look after their medical, emotional, social and spiritual needs, as well as those of their family. 

Where is Hospice care given? 

Hospice agencies provide services in a variety of locations. Most care occurs in the patient’s home, but there are also independent facilities specifically for hospice care or programs based in hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living centers. In any setting, carers share the same qualities of being available 24/7. 

Who can get Hospice Care? 

Hospice care is for individuals of different ages. It helps the elderly, adults, young adults and children with all sorts of conditions. Patients can use hospice care at any moment in their stage of illness, not just at or near the end of life.  

The Myths and Facts about Hospice

There are a few misunderstandings about hospice care. Here are the facts according to Vitas Healthcare: 

  1. Hospice is not necessarily a place. One does not need to check into a hospice facility to receive services.

  2. Hospice has no religious affiliation. Carers provide spiritual counsellors based on the patient’s and family’s needs and beliefs. 

  3. Hospice does not make death come earlier or later. Hospice does not aim to prolong life or death, but it aims to let one who is terminally ill live comfortably before their passing.

  4. Hospice is not “giving up.” The service aims to let a patient live in absolute comfort with the time they have left. 


When should Hospice Care start? 

Generally, hospice care is used when a person is expected to live about six months or less — such as in cases of advanced cancer, which can no longer be cured. 

Though there is no right or wrong time to consider hospice, some doctors don't immediately suggest hospice, so patients and family members may interpret it as signifying “giving up.” Eventually, if treatments are not working, patients may be asked to consider hospice care.

What does Hospice Care Offers? 

There are certain services hospice care providers should have to ensure the comfort of their patients. A few includes: 

Family Meetings 

Usually, meetings are led by careers — a hospice nurses — to keep the family members and loved ones informed about the patient’s condition and what to expect in the future. Family meetings also give the opportunity for the patients and loved ones to share their feelings, discuss concerns, decide what’s needed, and to learn about death. 

Coordination of Care 

Hospice teams supervise the patient and their loved ones 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Carers coordinate exchange of information among community professionals, doctors, clergy, and funeral directors to make sure all relevant parties are informed about the patient’s condition. In addition, they are available for any concerns of the patient and the family at any time and day. 

Bereavement Care 

Hospice care workers will work with loved ones after the passing of the patient and help them through the grieving process. They make sure that family and loved ones receive the support they need either from clergy, counselors or support groups to help them grieve. 

Why is Hospice important? 

When one reaches the end of life, this stage can be distressing not just for the patient, but for the family as well. Consequently, an end of life state could impair one’s quality of life and functional ability to live life.

Hospice carers play a key role in supporting family and patients emotionally and spiritually. They help to improve a patient’s life, because there is always something that can be done to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. 

Hospice care can be an excellent option to help someone pass in peace.  Death is inevitable; this outcome is inescapable, but we have a great deal of control over that transition.

Patricia Montoya
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