What Is Hospice? Roze Room Hospice

Hospice is a special way of caring for people who are terminally ill, and for their families.

A common misconception about hospice is that hospice is a place where people go to die. The modern hospice is not a place, but a program that provides a bundle of services to the terminally ill and their families. Hospice services are provided to patients at any location they call home, whether it be in the patient’s actual home, nursing facility, a board and care or at any other place of residence.

Hospice focuses on care, not cure. The goal of hospice is to allow the patient to live as fully as possible, in comfort and dignity. Hospice helps those who are no longer actively seeking a medical cure. Hospice services are provided by a team of professionals with different skills, who work together to plan and coordinate the patient’s care.

Hospice offers benefits that other types of health care services may not and hospice encourages family involvement in the care of a loved one and in the decision making process.

Medical equipment, supplies and medications needed for the comfort of the patient are covered by the hospice program.

Hospice services are provided by a team of healthcare professionals of various disciplines:

Hospice Physician:
		Complements and works with patient's attending physician
		Available for consultation and visits at patient's residence
		Oversees and evaluates patient's plan of care and pain management

Registered Nurse:
		Assesses patient needs
		Plans and organizes care to be provided
		Implements the plan of care to manage and control pain and other symptoms
		Provides patient care
		Trains and assists the patient's caregiver

Social Worker:
		Provides psycho-social and emotional assessment, intervention and support for the patient/family.
		Helps the patient and family cope with illness
		Advises and assists with funeral arrangements

Home Health Aide:
		Assists patient with personal care

Spiritual Counselor:
		Facilitates communication between clergy of all denominations and patient/family
		Available to assist patient and family with spiritual issues regarding life and death
		Provides spiritual support and care for the patient and family

Volunteer:
		Volunteers are available to offer companionship and spend time with the patient

Therapists:
		Speech Therapist
		Occupational Therapist
		Physical Therapist

Dietician:
		Assists with evaluating patient's dietary needs