Hospice: a philosophy of care

At its heart, hospice is a philosophy of care that focuses on a holistic, team approach to providing care to patients and their families. More than just expert medical care, symptom management and pain management, hospice also provides families and caregivers with emotional and spiritual support.

How hospice care can help

If you or a loved one is facing an illness which no longer responds to curative treatment or if you have chosen not to pursue aggressive therapies, then hospice may be an option. It is comprehensive medical, social, emotional, and spiritual care, meant to help and support patients and their families through the end-of-life process. Hospice care facilitates self-determined life closure and respects your final wishes, carrying out your desired directives as you see fit.

Hospice also focuses on improving your quality of life by providing services through a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals and volunteers. The wide array of services delivered include nursing care, social work, companionship, therapies and palliative care, all designed to help manage pain for the patient and alleviate family caregiver stress.

Hospice care eligibility

If you have been given a life-expectancy prognosis of six months or less, as certified by your physician, then you may be eligible for hospice. Hospice providers will work with you to set up a plan of care at home, wherever your home may be.

When you begin hospice care, your team will include hospice aides, nurses, clinical staff, a social worker, bereavement counselors, and volunteers, who will all work closely with you, your physician, and family to provide personalized and supportive care. This may include pain management, self-care assistance, and other services as needed. Hospice also provides grief counseling for friends and family, and anyone else who might need this support.

Hospice care resources

Hospice care is meant to affirm life and this philosophy of care ensures that there is support and comfort for you, your loved ones, friends, and family. It is about giving you the best quality of life possible, when time is most precious. To find out more, please see some more resources available to you below.

To learn more about our hospice services, visit the BAYADA Hospice page.

Both the Hospice Foundation of America and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization provide comprehensive and detailed information regarding hospice care.

You can also learn more about Medicare hospice benefits by visiting the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.