End of Life
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End of Life
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Important Issues in
the Your “Job”
in the Death and Hierarchy of the
Dying Living with Spiritual Distress Overview on Death from
a The Role of Culture and Diversity “Real” Intersection of Systems Helping Individuals
Face Important Questions That are Good Conversation Starters Durable Power
of Attorney for Hospice Care Helping Survivors Deal With Grief |
Hospice Care Hospice is a special way of caring for those who are dying. At its core, hospice promotes not a cure, but comfort care. It emphasises the quality, not the length, of life. And, it treats the family as well as the individual who is dying. The first hospice in America opened its doors in Connecticut in 1974, with funding provided by the National Cancer Institute. Today, the number of hospice programs are growing steadily. For example, according to Hospice Minnesotaxii, the number of hospices participating in Medicare nationwide increased from 31 in 1984 to 2,273 in 2000. For additional statistics on hospice care, go to http://www.nhpco.org/files/public/Facts%20Figures%20Feb04.pdf Hospice typically uses an interdisciplinary team approach to care, which may include a doctor, nurse, social worker, spiritual caregiver, home health aide, therapists, counselors, and volunteers. While the individual’s physician works with the hospice team to coordinate care, the patient and family form the basis for all decision-making. Most services are provided in the home. However, services can also be provided in assisted living programs, nursing homes and other long-term care residences, or in residential hospice settings. These services are tailored to meet the comfort and dignity needs of dying individuals and their family. They include comfort care, pain medication, therapy, emotional and grief support, teaching of care techniques, durable medical equipment and coordination of additional help. According to Hospice Minnesotaxiii, hospice services are paid for by Medicare, Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare and commercial insurance. The hospice program will work with the family to identify ways to pay for services. Some hospice providers have funds to allow them to provide charitable care for patients who have no other payment source. A list of hospices in your area can be found at the following
Web site: |