The hospice philosophy recognizes that every person deserves to live out his or her life with respect and dignity, alert and free of pain, in an environment that promotes quality of life. This concept of care came to the United States in the early 1970’s, at a time when the vast majority of terminally ill people died in the hospital, often alone and in pain. From its beginnings, hospice has focused on the whole person–body, mind and spirit–with an understanding that serious illness profoundly impacts not only the patient, but also family and loved ones as well.
HOSPICE CARE provides compassionate, holistic care that addresses all aspects of a patient’s needs: physical, spiritual, and emotional. It also provides support to family members during and after the dying process. A multitude of healthcare professionals from doctors and nurses to social workers, bereavement counselors and chaplains form a support team to help the patient and the family through this very difficult period. In Indiana, hospice care is available for those individuals expected to live six months or less.
END OF LIFE issues include patient rights, pain and symptom management, health care options, grief and loss, financial concerns of the impact of car on the family; closures of relationships, providing for loved ones after the physical death, and maintaining dignity and respect for the dying patients. Only 5 percent of the dying process is physical.
PALLIATIVE CARE, an approach originally defined and actively practiced by hospice, is the active total care of patients whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment. Control of pain, of other symptoms, and of psychological, social and spiritual problems is paramount. The goal of palliative care is the achievement of the best possible quality of life for patients and their families. Many aspects of palliative care are also applicable earlier in the course of illness in conjunction with treatment.
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A team of hospice professionals and volunteers work cooperatively with the patient, family and the primary physician to provide this special kind of care. Hospice addresses the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the patient while attending to the equally important needs of the family and caregivers.
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- The patient’s physician who becomes an integral part of the hospice team and continues to direct the plan of care.
- The hospice’s medical director who oversees the medical services provided to each patient in the hospice program and ensures the high quality of care.
- Registered nurses who specialize in pain management and symptom control, particularly for end-stage diseases.
- Licensed social workers who assist the patient and family with emotional concerns, including bereavement, as well as access to supportive community resources.
- Pastoral counselors who service people of all faiths, or of no religious faith, providing comfort and support whenever required. They also will facilitate contacts with community clergy as needed.
- Bereavement counselors who support the family and loved ones of all ages with support groups, one-on-one counseling and other special services during the bereavement process.
- Home health aides who provide care and help with the activities of daily living.
- Volunteers who have been trained to provide companionship and support the patient and family with the everyday challenges of life.
All licensed hospices in the state of Indiana provide these team services.
In addition, many programs and support groups are available to members of the community who are coping with loss and grief whether or not their loved one was served by hospice.
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