by Mindy Hunter

Created on: November 02, 2008

To some, a death can be as beautiful and meaningful as a birth. There are people who devote their professional careers to assisting terminally ill people and their family through the process of dying; much like a doctor assists a couple through the process of pregnancy and birth. One organization able to provide this support is hospice. While each individual hospice organization may be different, the overall goal is the same: to honor the end of life and provide a high quality of care to those who are dying and grieving.

In general, to qualify for hospice a person must be diagnosed as having six months or less to live. However, this does not mean a person has to die within those six months. Hospice will evaluate a patient at different intervals of time, and as long as that person is still showing a decline in health they can usually still qualify. Services can be provided to anyone of any age. They can be provided at home, in assisted livings, long-term care facilities or inpatient settings. Hospice is covered under Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance. The service provides the support of physicians, nurses, home health aides, social workers, counselors, chaplains, volunteers, music therapists, massage therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and physical therapists if any of these services are needed. The hospice team provides medical care, covers the cost of the medications related to the disease and any medical equipment the patient may need. The team provides emotional support to the patient and family, caregiver training if the patient will be staying at home, and provides support throughout the grieving and bereavement periods, even after the patient has passed away.

Beyond the ability to qualify for hospice, a person must be ready to accept his or her impending death before he or she is ready to accept services. While on hospice care a person may not pursue treatments to cure his or her disease. Hospice provides palliative care, where the goal, unlike most medical practice, is not to cure, but to provide comfort. Many people start hospice treatments when there are no further treatments to heal them, or if the side effects of the treatment will outweigh the benefits. Once hospice is started, a patient will also have the choice to end services if he or she wishes to pursue further treatment.

Working in long-term care I have witnessed the benefits of hospice first hand. Many families who waited to start hospice services until their family member was actively dying, stated they wished they had started hospice much sooner because the services were so beneficial. Hospice, although not for everyone, is a worthwhile and meaningful program. The dying process is a part of life, and even though someone is dying, we must remember they are also still living. During this difficult phase in life, hospice is there to provide services given by people who can see the beauty and importance in the end of life. These caring people will be there to provide a high quality life for the dying, giving a person comfort and support when it is needed most.

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