What is Hospice?
Considered to be the model for quality, compassionate care for people facing
a life-limiting illness or injury, hospice and palliative care involve a
team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional
and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient's needs and wishes.
Support is provided to the patient's loved ones as well.
The focus of hospice relies on the belief that each of us has the right to die
pain-free and with dignity, and that our loved ones will receive the necessary
support to allow us to do so. The focus is on caring, not curing and in most
cases, care is provided in your own home. Hospice can also be provided in freestanding
hospice facilities, hospitals, nursing and assisted living facilities and foster
homes. Hospice is available to persons of any age, religion, race or illness.
Hospice care is covered under Medicare, Medicaid, most private insurance plans,
HMOs, and other managed care organizations.