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What is Hospice?
Hospice is not a place, but a concept of care provided to people in the final phase of their lives.
Considered to be the model for quality, compassionate care for people facing a life-limiting illness or
injury, hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and
emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient's needs and wishes. At the center of
hospice care is the belief that each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity, and that our
families will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so.
The term "hospice" once described a way station for pilgrims journeying to the Holy Land. Today,
hospice care is based on a philosophy of emotional, spiritual, physical support, and comfort for people in
the final phase of life. It is a service for patients and their families for whom medical cure is not possible
and who choose to maintain control over their personal circumstances. Hospice care is delivered in the
patient's primary residence, either the home or nursing home, and provides in-patient care on a
short-term basis to address symptom management. Hospice care in the United States has been evolving
and growing since 1970.
Hospice services are available to patients of any age, religion, race, or illness. Hospice care is covered
under Medicare, Medicaid, most private insurance plans, HMOs, and other managed care organizations.
Hospice is not a place, but a concept of care provided to people in the final phase of their lives.
Considered to be the model for quality, compassionate care for people facing a life-limiting illness or
injury, hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and
emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient's needs and wishes. At the center of
hospice care is the belief that each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity, and that our
families will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so.
The term "hospice" once described a way station for pilgrims journeying to the Holy Land. Today,
hospice care is based on a philosophy of emotional, spiritual, physical support, and comfort for people in
the final phase of life. It is a service for patients and their families for whom medical cure is not possible
and who choose to maintain control over their personal circumstances. Hospice care is delivered in the
patient's primary residence, either the home or nursing home, and provides in-patient care on a
short-term basis to address symptom management. Hospice care in the United States has been evolving
and growing since 1970.
Hospice services are available to patients of any age, religion, race, or illness. Hospice care is covered
under Medicare, Medicaid, most private insurance plans, HMOs, and other managed care organizations.
3311 Bob Wallace Avenue - Suite 101 - Huntsville, AL 35805 256-533-4300 - 800-314-9863 - FAX: 256-533-4122 501 Jackson Avenue North - Suite 7 - Russellville, AL 35653 256-332-7001 - 877-632-7001 - FAX: 256-332-7050 Email: info@hospiceofnorthalabama.com |
