Hospice care offers personalized, compassionate care for patients and their families living with a life-limiting illness and a life expectancy that is measured in months, not years. Hospice caregivers promote comfort care by managing pain and other end-of-life symptoms. Special attention is also given to emotional and spiritual needs.

Hospice care most often occurs at your home, although care can be managed in a nursing home, personal care home, a hospice center, and in some instances, a hospital.

When Can Hospice Help?

1. When you want your medical treatment to focus on comfort.
2. When you need assistance with personal care.
3. When you want emotional support for you and your loved ones.
4. When you want professional support and guidance.

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life by reducing the physical and emotional stress associated with a serious or life-limiting illness.

Palliative care can be part of hospice care, but is also a stand-alone service, even for those receiving curative therapies.

Unlike hospice care, it is available at any stage of illness.

What Assistance Does Hospice Provide Patients?

• A Team of Doctors
• Nurses
• Hospice Aides
• Therapists
• Spiritual Care Givers
• Social Workers
• Volunteers

In Addition, Hospice Helps to Provide:

• Medications related to the life-limiting illness
• Medical Supplies
• Medical Equipment
• Pain & Symptom Management Control

Advanced Planning Is Important!

Medical and end-of-life decisions can be made easier for you and your loved ones if you plan ahead and make your wishes known.

A WISH CHECK LIST:

1. Prepare an Advanced Directive for the kind of medical treatment you want or don't want.
2. Sign a Medical Power of Attorney appointing someone to make medical decisions for you when you are no longer able to speak for yourself.
3. Sign a Financial Power of Attorney appointing someone to manage your personal finances should you become unable.
4. Discuss with your family how you wish to be cared for when the time comes and write it down.
5. Write down your Burial and/or Memorial wishes and discuss it with your loved ones.
6. Having a Will can bring protection and welfare to those you care about when you are gone.

(seek guidance from your Physician and/or Legal Advisor)