Life is filled with challenging decisions; the decision to accept Hospice end-of-life care can be one of them. The decision comes after being informed that a disease process holds no cure. The focus shifts from curative methods to comfort measures and quality of life. The concept is known as “Hospice Care.” Hospice care specializes in pain management and comfort measures. This approach used by Hospice is often called, “Palliative Therapy.”
Hospice provides quality care including medical, emotional and spiritual support and a wide array of bereavement services for patients facing life-limiting illnesses and their families. Hospice offers comfort and support when a cure for an illness is not expected. Hospice care helps patients live all the days of their live to the fullest. While most Hospice care is provided in patients’ homes, care can be provided for patients in long-term care facilities and at in-patient hospital units. In Louisville these in-patient units are located at the Norton Healthcare Pavilion and Baptist Hospital Northeast. Hospice accepts referrals 24 hours daily. Hospice caregivers include physicians, nurses, certified nursing assistants, social workers, expressive therapists, chaplains, bereavement counselors, support staff and volunteers. Medicare/Medicaid and many forms of private insurance are accepted. Thanks to the generosity of Hospice donors, care is provided for patients and families regardless of their ability to pay.
As a society we many times view death as an option, yet it is a natural process that we all must face. A patient and their family need the support and care of knowledgeable healthcare providers. Only then can they make sound decisions about end-of-life care. If you or anyone in your family has been told their illness is incurable, seek the advice of a licensed hospice provider. Through comfort measures and family support the inevitable can be experienced with dignity and freedom from pain.
