During National Hospice and Palliative Care Month this November, Hospice by the Sea (HBTS) joins providers across the country in raising awareness of the many benefits of hospice palliative care. HBTS, a not-for-profit organization, is grateful for the dedication of National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, led by J. Donald Schumacher, PsyD, President and CEO, in promoting and maintaining quality care for terminally ill persons and their families and to making hospice an integral part of the U.S. continuum of healthcare services.More than traditional medical care
Every year, more than 1.58 million people living with a life-limiting illness receive care from hospice palliative care providers in the U.S., reports the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). Hospice palliative care provides expert pain management, symptom control, emotional support, and spiritual care to patients and family caregivers when a cure is not possible. Care is provided by a highly trained team of professionals and volunteers.
Most hospice care in the U.S. is provided in the home – allowing people to be with their families and loved ones in comfortable surroundings as life comes peacefully to a close.
Research by NHPCO has found that 94 percent of families who had a loved one cared for by hospice rated the care as very good to excellent.
“Hospice makes sure that people receive comfort, love and respect during one of life’s most significant experiences – the journey at life’s end,” said Dr. Schumacher. “The compassionate way that hospice helps maximize the quality of life is at the center of this year’s hospice month theme.”
NHPCO offers six important reminders
“Hospice is not brink-of-death care intended for the last days of life only,” stressed Dr. Schumacher. “Hospice care is most effective for patients and families in the final months of life when families can take full advantage of the range of services hospice provides.”
Palliative care brings the same interdisciplinary team approach earlier in the course of a serious illness. Hospices are the largest providers of palliative care services in the country with many organizations working to offer a seamless continuum of care through the course of a serious illness.
Six important points to know about hospice:
1. Hospice care is usually provided in the home – wherever the patient calls home.
2. Hospice cares for people with any kind of life-limiting illness.
3. Hospice is fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private health plans and HMOs.
4. Hospice is not limited to six months of care.
5. Hospice is not “giving up”; rather the focus is on caring, not curing.
6. Anyone can contact hospice – so call your local program to learn if hospice is right for you or your loved one.
