Issue link: https://www.newlifestylesdigital.com/i/312816
42 Hospice: Did You Know…? Chances are that the word "hospice" is a familiar one – but not everyone fully understands the scope and benefit of hospice care. Hospice is a team-oriented approach to quality, compassionate care for people facing life-limiting illness. Hospice is not at all about "giving up." Rather, its focus is on comfort, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient's needs and wishes. Support is provided to the patients' loved ones as well. Hospice emphasizes quality in living, helping each person served make the most of life. Hospice focuses on caring, not curing and, is provided wherever a patient calls home. Services are available to patients with a life-limiting illness of any age, religion, race, or walk of life. All hospice care is reimbursable through Medicare, Medicaid and most commercial insurance providers. Did you know that hospice care can also include the following services? • Physicians and clinical staff who are experts in pain management and comfort care • Expressive art and music, to engage the patient's senses • Pet therapy: pet companionship is known to provide a calming effect and evoke pleasant memories • Massage therapy and Reiki • Physical therapy, if needed • Spiritual counseling, at the request of the patient or caregiver • Bereavement support for loved ones, children and community at-large • The opportunity to record video or audio life stories • Volunteers who provide companionship for patients When is the best time to learn more about hospice? Right now. It is never too early to talk with your physician and loved ones about the care you wish to receive at the end-of-life. The conversation is not an easy one, but it is important. Advance care planning reduces stress and eliminates questions when the time for hospice is needed. By discussing health care wishes in advance, patients and families are not forced into uncomfortable situations. Instead, educated decisions can be made that include the advice and input of family members and loved ones. Family Hospice and Palliative Care, Pittsburgh CMA SF 14 PRINTER_2000 master 2.0 5/6/14 3:31 PM Page 42