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Truths about Hospice Services

Sue Pagano, LifePath Hospice

We owe it to ourselves to make the most of life and participate in decision-making every step of the way. When treatment is no longer beneficial, the special service of hospice care supports patients and families as comfortably as possible. It is a multidisciplinary team approach that provides expert medical care, pain management, psychosocial counseling, bereavement and spiritual support

Here are the top ten facts about hospice services:

  1. Hospice is care for individuals with life-limiting/ terminal illnesses, anticipated to occur within six months if the disease follows its natural course.
  2. Hospice services are provided to people suffering from many chronic conditions including (but not limited to) ALS, Alzheimer’s / Dementia, cancer, COPD/Emphysema, Cardiac Disease, HIV/AIDS, Kidney Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Renal Failure and Stroke. Failure to thrive, depression and other broad conditions are also managed.
  3. Hospice care is provided wherever a patient calls home- private residences, assisted living facilities, nursing homes and hospitals.
  4. The hospice model of care focuses on caring, not curing.
  5. Hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and many insurance plans.
  6. Referrals for hospice services can be made by family, physicians, friends, clergy and others who are aware of a patient’s need.
  7. Hospice care helps families deal with their grief. They also support the staff of residential facilities who may also be experiencing loss. Bereavement services are provided for a year or more after the death of a loved one.
  8. Services include pain and symptom management by nurses and physicians, personal care by hospice aides and support by social workers, bereavement counselors, chaplains and volunteers.
  9. Reducing pain and anxiety while keeping a patient comfortable and alert are key goals of hospice physicians. Counseling services address emotional pain and anxiety.
  10. Hospice care provides hope, helping people accept life’s transitions in peace and comfort. It is a once in a lifetime experience.

For more information, copies of Advance Directives documents, and details on support groups, contact LifePath Hospice, Inc., provider to Hillsborough County, Florida at www.lifepath-hospice.com or call 800.209.2200. Residents of other counties can contact the local hospice service provider.