Hospice

What is hospice?

Hospice care is designed for those who may have 6 months or less to live. You may live longer than this, but if you are not getting better, you may be able to keep getting hospice care for more than 6 months.

The goal is not to cure the disease. Hospice helps with quality of life by managing symptoms such as pain, tiredness, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting. Most hospices can help day or night, 7 days a week. Hospice care may be given in your home, a nursing facility, an inpatient hospice facility, or in a hospice room in the hospital.

Another name for this type of care is palliative care.

How does it help?

The hospice team includes:

• Physicians
• Nurses
• Pharmacists
• Mental health counselors
• Social workers
• Pastoral counselors
• Dietitians
• Massage therapists or other kinds of therapists
• Home health aides
• Specially trained volunteers

The hospice team will work with your healthcare provider to help you be as comfortable as possible. Hospice care can also help with mental health and spiritual needs. They can help prepare you for a peaceful death at home or in a homelike setting.

Hospice care is provided to both you and your family. Hospice staff may help you and your family make decisions about your treatment, relationships, and your preferences about burial and memorial services. Grief counselors can work with your family for about a year after your death.

Hospice also relies on family and friends to give much of your daily care. Volunteers may help your family with chores or errands. Volunteers may also sit with you while your caregiver takes a short break.

For more information, contact:

• National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
  800-658-8898
  http://www.nhpco.org