Question

Define the meaning of the term “hospice care” in ways that will make it clear to those who have never heard the word before.  Identify and explain five (5) aspects that are distinctive of hospice care.

Answer 1

Ans) Hospice care is a type of care and philosophy of care that focuses on the palliation of a chronically ill, terminally ill or seriously ill patient's pain and symptoms, and attending to their emotional and spiritual needs.

- Any patient with a terminal illness resulting in a life expectancy of six months or less, as determined by the patient’s physician, is eligible for hospice care.

- The patient, in partnership with his or her family, the referring physician and the hospice team, makes the decision for hospice care, after a thorough review of all the options for care. Care is provided regardless of the patient’s age, diagnosis, or ability to pay.

- The sooner hospice care begins, the sooner the patient and family are able to benefit from the full range of programs and services offered.

- The time to choose hospice care is when the goal of treatment begins to shift from curing the illness to providing comfort. The patient and family reserve time to understand their options and choose the path that is best for them. The best time to learn about hospice care is before you or someone you love needs it.

The Hospice of East Texas provides care that focuses on the relief of suffering in all its forms: physical, emotional, spiritual, and social. Our team of professionals works with the patient and family to create a plan of care unique to their situation. That plan might include:

• Home visits by nurses, physicians, home health aides, chaplains, social workers and trained volunteers
• Medications, supplies and durable medical equipment related to the terminal illness
Caregiver support and education, and assistance with advance care plans
• Emotional and spiritual support
• Bereavement care and family support both prior to and after the patient’s death
• Hospice care is truly centered around the patient and family.

- The goal of the hospice team is to empower you to make your own choices, give you access to information and resources you need during this very challenging time, and provide support to everyone involved.

Most hospice care takes place where the patient lives and where the patient is most comfortable. That might be their own home, a family member’s home, an assisted living or nursing facility.