What is Hospice?

Posted in General

Hospice is a philosophy of caring for those living with a life-threatening illness.

The hospice philosophy holds that end-of-life care should emphasize quality of life. The object is to treat the whole person, and not just the disease. The hospice philosophy focuses on patient/family-centered care that addresses the physical, spiritual, emotional, and practical needs of the patient.

An interdisciplinary team of health care professionals works with the patient and family to design and implement a plan of care unique to the patient’s diagnosis. In addition, hospice provides all medications, services, and equipment related to the terminal illness. Hospice care does not end with the patient’s death; it continues with up to 13 months of bereavement counseling for the family and loved ones.

A new infographic from NHPCO and HAN explains the hospice journey. Follow Anna and her family from prognosis, election of hospice care, and through bereavement. This tool combines illustrations with data points to tell one family’s story of their experience with Medicare Hospice Benefit. Click the image below to view the full-size infographic.

Home Health & Hospice Care

Home Health & Hospice Care