What Is Hospice Care?

Hospice is a concept of caring derived from medieval times, symbolizing a place where travelers, pilgrims and the sick, wounded or dying could find rest and comfort. The contemporary hospice offers a comprehensive program of care to patients and families facing a life-threatening illness. Hospice is primarily a concept of care, not a specific place of care.

Hospice emphasizes palliative rather than curative treatment; quality rather than quantity of life. The dying are comforted, professional medical care is given, and a sophisticated symptom relief is provided. The patient and family are both included in the care plan and emotional, spiritual, and practical support is given based on the patient’s wishes and family’s needs. Trained volunteers can offer respite care for family members, as well as meaningful support to the patient.

Hospice affirms life and regards dying as a normal process, neither hastening nor postponing death. Hospice provides personalized services and a caring community so patients and families can attain the necessary preparation for a death satisfactory to them.

Those involved in the process of dying have a variety of physical, spiritual, emotional, and social needs. The nature of dying is so unique that the goal of the hospice team is to be sensitive and responsive to the special requirements of each individual and family.

Hospice care is provided to patients with a limited life expectancy. Although most hospice patients are cancer patients, hospice organizations accept anyone regardless of age or type of illness. These services may be provided in the patient's home or in a care setting such as a nursing home or assisted living. 

Hospice coverage is widely available. It is provided by Medicare nationwide and by most private insurance providers. To verify coverage, families should check with their employer or health insurance provider. Medicare covers all services and supplies for the hospice patient related to the terminal illness. In some hospices, the patient may be required to pay a five percent or a $5.00 co-payment on medication, and a five percent co-payment for respite care. You should find out about any co-payment when selecting a hospice organization. The first thing hospice will do is assist families in finding out whether the patient is eligible for any coverage of which they may not be aware. Barring this, most hospices will provide for anyone who cannot pay using money raised from the community or from memorial and/or foundation gifts.