Hospice is considered to be the model for quality, compassionate care for individuals facing a life-limiting illness or injury. Hospice and palliative care involve a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient's needs and wishes. Support is provided to the patients as well as their loved ones.
Hospice relies on the belief that each of us has the ability to spend our final moments pain-free and with dignity, and that our loved ones will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so. The cornerstone of hospice is caring, not curing, and in most cases, is provided in the comfort of your own home. The definition of home may be in facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, private residences, and foster homes. Eligible individuals may be someone of any age, religion and race experiencing a life limiting diagnosis/condition.
Hospice care is covered under Medicare, Medicaid, most private insurance plans, HMOs, and other managed care organizations.