All About Hospice

Hospice is a philosophy of care, not a place. It promotes quality of life and recognizes that everyone should live out his/her life in comfort, dignity and with respect. From its’ beginning, hospice has focused on the whole person, body, mind and spirit, with the understanding that a terminal illness profoundly impacts not only the patient, but loved ones as well.

Hospice care centers on the patient and family. Hospice provides care when there is no cure through a team approach. The goal of the hospice professional team is to empower the patient and family to make choices with the hospice’s support and assistance. The hospice team serves as the patient and family’s advocates, helping them to access the information and resources needed during this challenging time.

In addition to providing care directly, hospice team members serve as teachers, enabling the family to care for their loved one at home.

Over the years, the medical community has come to embrace hospice for taking quality end-of-life care into the homes of the terminally ill and their families. (wherever home may be) With the support of hospice professionals and volunteers, individuals may maintain control over their end-of-life choices. They do so knowing that hospice will support the patient and family in a multitude of ways.