Hospice Palliative Care

Hospice care neither prolongs life nor hastens death. All hospices are staffed with trained professionals, such as physicians, specially trained nurses, members of the clergy, psychologists and social workers. The team of health care professionals & volunteers maximize comfort for a terminally ill person by reducing pain and addressing physical, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual needs to improve the quality of a patient’s last days.

Hospice offers counseling, respite care, practical support, variety of bereavement and counseling services to families before and after a patient’s death.

Most hospice care is provided at home — with a family member typically serving as the primary caregiver. However, hospice care is also available at hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and dedicated hospice facilities.

PALLIATIVE CARE

Palliative care is appropriate for patients in all disease stages, including those undergoing treatment for curable illnesses and those living with chronic diseases, as well as patients who are nearing the end of life. There is a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, relying on input from physicians, pharmacists, nurses, chaplains, social workers, psychologists, and other allied health professionals in formulating a plan of care to symptom relief, counseling, spiritual comfort, or whatever enhances your quality of life & to address physical, emotional, spiritual, and social concerns that arise with advanced illness.

By providing relief for various symptoms, palliative care can help you not only carry on with your daily life, but also improve your ability to undergo or complete your medical treatments.