What is Hospice

While working in a hospital, we came across quite a few patients who had terminal illness. Most of them included cancer patients who had less than about 6 months to live. These patients were in a lot of pain and on top of they know the fact that death will arrive shortly. Such patients and their families were offered an option of hospice. Many patients and their families did opt for hospice. This helped ease their pain to some extent and live to the fullest. I am sure there may be many such people who must be wondering what a hospice is. If you too are one of these people, then read on and understand the basic facts and myths about this service.

What are the Myths about a Hospice?
It is important to differentiate between the myths and facts as it will benefit the patient as well as their families. As I have mentioned earlier, there were many families of terminally ill people, who had many wrong notions. Counselors and medical social workers, had to counsel these families as well as the patients regarding the care provided.

It is a place like a hospital.
The word 'hospice' means guesthouse and is derived from the Latin word 'hospitium'. Maybe this is the reason many people have a notion that it is a place. But, in reality, it is not a place like a hospital, medical center, home, etc. It is actually a philosophy that focuses on improving the quality of life of the patients.

It is a type of medical treatment.
Hospice is in no way a type of medical treatment. It is as mentioned earlier, a philosophy of compassionate and humane patient care. There are many health care providers who work together and help manage the painful symptoms of the last stage. They are a team of experts who work 24/7 to help improve the quality of life in the final stages and help the terminally ill patient die with dignity.

It means giving up on life.
Patients and families who opt for hospice are in no way giving up on life. They are not getting ready to die. It is a service that aims on helping the patient and enhancing their quality of life.

Hospice Care
It is a philosophy of caregiving that helps in improving the quality of life of the patient. It aims at palliative care and not at curative care. It can be provided anywhere in a hospital, a retirement home, even in the home of the patient. The concept was first initiated in Great Britain in the 1960s. It was started by Dr. Cicely Saunders, who was a British physician. She organized a team of medical professionals who with the help of modern pain management helped provide compassionate care to dying patients. This philosophy was passed on to United States in the year 1974.

It is not about accepting death, but a viewpoint that shows death is the final stage of life. It helps patients spend their last days alert and live an almost pain-free life. Medical professionals work together to manage their symptoms and help them die a death with dignity surrounded by their loved ones. Hospice in no way tries to cure or postpone death. It helps treat the person not the disease. It is not just a medical care, but involves family care. Family member(s) play the role of the main care givers.

It is provided to patients with cancer or any other terminally ill disease. It should be certified by a doctor that the patient has about 6 months or less to live. The patient and the family members should decide if they no longer need curative treatment and want to opt for palliative care. This is only in case the patient's illness cannot be cured. If the illness escalates or the patient needs to be resuscitated or given life support, no treatment should be sought. This is done only if the patient has signed a 'do not resuscitate' (DNR) order.

Who Provides Care in a Hospice?
Care is provided by a number of medical professionals like:

• Patient's physician
• Physician
• Registered nurses
• Social workers
• Spiritual counselors like clergy, priests, etc.
• Dietitians
• Pharmacists
• Physical therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Speech pathologists
• Aides take responsibility of the patient's dressing, bathing, etc.
• Volunteers who give company to patients, help in transportation of the patient, etc.
• Bereavement counselors who provide support and guidance to family after the death of a patient under hospice

Is the Service Free?
Many patients and their families have a question, is the service free. It is not free and one needs to pay for the care they receive. However, it is not as costly as the medical care in hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions. It generally involves friends and family giving the main care to the patient and thus, reducing the cost manifold.

Is it Covered by Medicare?
Yes, medicare, medicaid, the Department of Veterans Affairs, private insurance companies, etc. do cover hospice. You need a doctor and medical director to certify that the patient has less than 6 months to live. The patient needs to sign a declaration he/she understands the illness and the need of hospice care. The patient will continue to receive medicare benefits for other illnesses.

This philosophy helps the patient live comfortably in their last days and improve their quality of life. If you or someone you know are trying to seek hospice for a loved one, then speak to their health care provider. It may help provide them with the much-needed comfort and strength when their quality of life deteriorates to the maximum.