Hospice
Hospice organizations operate under the principle of
palliative care. Palliative care is an approach to care
that aims to improve the quality of life of a terminally
ill patient by preventing and relieving symptoms and
suffering. Every individual in the last stage of life
deserves a dignified, pain-free death. With hospice care,
this is possible.
Hospice care occurs primarily in the home, although
it can also take place in a hospital, nursing home, hospice
facility, or another long-term care facility. The National
Hospice Foundation, an organization promoting compassionate
assistance for the terminally ill for more than 25 years,
conducted a survey that found over 80 percent of Americans
would prefer to die at home. With hospice care, 75 percent
of patients pass on in the comfort of their home, in
a familiar environment surrounded by loved ones.
Hospice care focuses on alleviating pain and symptoms
of the disease and helping the patients and their families
come to terms with the future. A team of doctors, nurses,
social workers, and counselors or clergy members assists
a family member, who acts as the primary caregiver, with
the care of the patient. This team constantly evaluates
the changing needs of the patient and adjusts medications
and care accordingly. Regular home visits and around-the-clock
care are also features of this compassionate approach
to nursing.
Hospice care relies heavily on a team of trained and
dedicated volunteers who are the crux of effective hospice
care. These are the individuals who relieve the primary
caregivers, help with household chores, and bathe and
dress the patients. Most importantly, the volunteers
provide an empathetic ear and are always willing to listen
to the patient, the caregiver, and his or her family.
Easing the passing of loved ones is a primary concern
of families, but many individuals worry about how they
will afford comprehensive hospice care. Fortunately,
almost anyone can afford quality hospice care. Of all
the people who receive hospice care each year, 80 percent
are over the age of 65. This means they are eligible
for the Medicare Hospice Benefit, which covers all care
with practically no out-of-pocket expenses. Most private
health plans and Medicaid programs also cover almost
all costs involved in hospice care.
Dealing with the terminal illness of a loved one is
an extremely stressful and disheartening experience.
This period is even more difficult when the onset of
terminal symptoms occurs suddenly and unexpectedly, as
with most mesothelioma cases. Hospice care allows a patient’s
family to maintain the responsibilities of their normal
lives while giving them the comfort of knowing their
loved one is being looked after by a team of trained,
compassionate caregivers. A list of national hospice
centers is listed below.
Hospice Centers
American
Hospice Foundation
2120 L St., NW Ste. 200
Washington, DC 20037
Tel: 202/223-0204
Fax: 202/223-0208
The National Hospice
and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)
1700 Diagonal Road Ste. 625
Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: 703/837–1500
800/658–8898 (Helpline)
The Hospice
Association of America (HAA)
228 Seventh St., SE
Washington, DC 20003
Tel: 202/546–4759
The Hospice Education
Institute
190 Westbrook Rd.
Essex, CT 06426–1510
Tel: 860/767–1620
800/331–1620
Hospice of the Bluegrass
Tel: 800/876-6005
The Hospice
of the Florida Suncoast
300 East Bay Drive
Largo, Florida 33770
Tel: 727/586-4432
The American Cancer
Society (ACS)
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329–4251
Tel: 800/ACS–2345
Hospice Net
Suite 51
401 Bowling Avenue
Nashville, TN 37205-5124
info@hospicenet.org
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