In medieval times, a hospice was a place where travelers, pilgrims and the sick, wounded or dying could find rest and comfort.

Today, hospice is not a place, but a holistic, multi- dimensional approach to caring for patients who are facing life-limiting illness.

Hospice care is considered the gold standard for end of life care. Its model for quality, compassionate care ensures comfort, dignity and support for patients and their loved ones by providing expert medical care, pain management, emotional and spiritual support.

According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, an estimated 1.45 million people benefited from hospice services in 2008. However, while more people are receiving hospice care each year, it is estimated that only 1 in 3 Americans that could benefit from hospice services are receiving them and that far too many people are being referred to hospice in the last weeks, days, or hours of life. While it is not uncommon to learn that most people are aware of the availability of hospice care or know someone who has received it, this awareness often presents misconceptions that are barriers to earlier hospice care and access.

The following are Frequently Asked Questions about Hospice Care:

Q. What exactly is Hospice care?

A. Hospice is a philosophy of care- and a program of care- that helps patients and families facing life-limiting illness to maintain quality of life, peace, and dignity at the end of life. Hospice focuses on comfort- or palliative care- rather than cure. Care is aimed at relief of troublesome symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, sadness, anxiety, or gastrointestinal problems. Care is extended to the entire family unit. The Hospice team of professionals provides emotional and spiritual support to the patient and their loved ones.

Additionally, Hospice continues to support family members in bereavement following the oss of their loved one.

Q. Where is Hospice care provided? I always thought that Hospice was a place where people went in the final hours of life.

A. The majority of patients receiving Hospice care are cared for in the place they call ‘home’, with home being defined as a private residence, nursing facility, or residential care facility. In fact, in 2008, seventy percent of people received Hospice care in their home.

Q. Who receives Hospice care?

A. Anyone who has an advanced, life-limiting illness can receive Hospice care. Hospice is provided when a physician and the hospice medical director certify hospice eligibility and determine that hospice care is needed. Hospice cares for people in the advanced stages of any life limiting illness including cancer, heart disease, respiratory disease, and neurological illnesses such as dementia, stroke, ALS, and Parkinsons Disease to name a few.

Q. Doesn’t choosing Hospice care mean giving up hope?

A. Hospice is not about giving up hope. It is about redefining hope and is life affirming. Interventions are designed to ensure patient comfort and the best possible quality of life so that each and every day can be lived to its fullest.

Q. I heard that Hospice services are only provided for 6 months. What appens if I recover from my illness?

A. Hospice care can be provided for as long as necessary when the physician certifies hospice eligibility. In the infrequent event that someone recovers or no long needs Hospice care, services can be stopped. Hospice care can be resumed at a later time if they again become necessary.

Q. What services are provided by Hospice care?

A. Hospice care includes nursing, social services, spiritual care, home health aide, and volunteer services. Additionally, medications, supplies, and medical equipment related to the hospice illness are provided. Bereavement care is provided to loved ones for 13 months following their loss.

Q. Is hospice available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? What happens if I have a question or problem in the middle of the night?

A. Hospice is available to respond to questions, address concerns and even visit the home seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Q. How is Hospice care paid for? Will the services cost me any money?

A. Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans cover the cost of hospice care. Many hospice programs provide care to patients without regard to ability to pay for services.

  • Surveys have shown that 90 percent of people would like to spend their final days at home, cared for by family and friends. Hospice care not only enhances the quality of life for patients with serious progressive illnesses, it also relieves some of the burden family members and caregivers have shouldered for so long. It truly enables patients and their families to cherish their time together, creating special memories that never fade.

Holy Redeemer Health System, Home Care and Hospice. Advanced Clinical Care in the Home.

One convenient phone number, serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey: 1-888-678-8678

There’s no place like home... and that’s especially true when you’re not feeling well. Whether you need home care after surgery or an accident, or for a relative who is coping with a chronic or lifelimiting illness, you can count on Holy Redeemer Home Care & Hospice’s expertise. Our highly qualified, multidisciplinary staff delivers Advanced Clinical Care in the Home, meeting your needs with compassionate, outcomesdriven services, ensuring that you’ll enjoy individually-focused care and the best quality of life possible.