Hospice Care Information

People in the last stages of life may require special medical and emotional care. Many terminally ill patients choose hospice as a way to spend these final days. Hospice care uses a team approach for alleviating pain, supporting the patient emotionally and managing his symptoms.

Features

• Hospice care is unlike medical treatment in that it does not involve finding a cure. Instead, it focuses on handling symptoms and pain with traditional medications. It also might involve non-medical techniques such as massage therapy, relaxation exercises and spiritual counseling. Patients receive palliative care through a planned team approach involving family, home health aides, health care providers, clergy and social workers.

Types

• End-of-life patients may receive this special care in many types of settings. Care in one's home is usually a preferred option. However, an independent hospice or long-term care facility, hospital or nursing home may be a better choice, depending on individual circumstances.

Considerations

• Most private health insurance plans along with Medicare and Medicaid cover the expenses of hospice care. Once an individual decides to begin this care, a careful assessment is made involving a hospice case manager and the individual's doctors to determine eligibility.