What Is Hospice Care? Learn why and when to use it.

Published: June 14, 2011, 10:30 p.m.

b"Host JP is a former Hospice worker with over 8 years in the field. Working within Hospice Austin, taught him about LIVING. This show is provided to you; to inform you of the benefits of Hospice services and many Hospice organizations have provided audio clips with an in-depth look from both a nurses's perspective as well as the caregiver, and the hospice patient. Hospice is a special concept of care designed to provide comfort and support to patients and their families when a life-limiting illness no longer responds to cure-oriented treatments.Hospice care neither prolongs life nor hastens death. Hospice staff and volunteers offer a specialized knowledge of medical care, including pain management.The goal of hospice care is to improve the quality of a patient's last days by offering comfort and dignity.Hospice care is provided by a team-oriented group of specially trained professionals, volunteers and family members.Hospice addresses all symptoms of a disease, with a special emphasis on controlling a patient's pain and discomfort.Hospice deals with the emotional, social and spiritual impact of the disease on the patient and the patient's family and friends.Hospice offers a variety of bereavement and counseling services to families before and after a patient's death. Hospice is not a place but a concept of care. Eighty percent of hospice care is provided in the patient's home, family member's home and in nursing homes. Inpatient hospice facilities are sometimes available to assist with caregiving. ospice care neither prolongs life nor hastens death. Hospice staff and volunteers offer a specialized knowledge of medical care, including pain management.\\n The goal of hospice care is to improve the quality of a patient's last weeks, days and hours by offering comfort and dignity. Emotional, social and spiritual impact of the disease on the patient and the patient's family and friends."