For many people with serious illness there will come a time when medical treatments may no longer hold the promise of a cure or relief. When this time is recognized, hospice care becomes an imperative resource and guide through this difficult journey. Hospice workers provide incredible compassion and focus on the comfort, dignity, and quality of life for individuals with terminal illnesses. Hospice is often misunderstood but aims to provide a holistic approach to care for patients and their families during some of the most difficult times in life.  

Shift in Perspective 

Hospice care represents a shift in perspective. Shifting from aggressive, curative treatments to focusing on the enhancement of life’s remaining moments. Hospice acknowledges the fact that all curative options may have been exhausted, and the best option is now to focus on ensuring comfort and peace. Hospice care helps to define a patient’s values, wishes, and goals, empowering them to be active participants throughout their journey. This allows patients to spend their remaining time in a familiar and comfortable setting, surrounded by loved ones. 

Multidisciplinary Approach 

At the heart of hospice care is a team of dedicated professionals, each contributing a unique skill set to address the diverse needs of patients and their families. Doctors, nurses, CNA’s, social workers, spiritual advisors, Chaplin’s, and volunteers work as a team to provide holistic care. They ensure that not only the physical symptoms are managed, but also focus heavily on the emotional, psychological, and spiritual distress that can weigh heavily on those involved in end-of-life situations. 

Support for Families 

Terminal illness affects not only the patient, but everyone involved in supporting the patient. Hospice care recognizes this and provides comprehensive support to families. By providing education, resources, and guidance we can reduce fear and increase confidence in the people providing care during these difficult times. This support extends beyond the patient’s passing as the hospice team will follow up with family members to ensure that their needs are met throughout the grieving process. Additional support and resources are provided as needed.  

Celebration of Life 

Many stigmas exist surrounding the term hospice, many people hear this word and assume that we are giving up and death is imminent. This is not true; we are not giving up but rather supporting our patients needs with a new perspective. The perspective shifts to ensuring comfort and adequate symptom management instead of curing a disease. Hospice care encourages patients and families to spend time connecting with each other and making the best of whatever time is left. By ensuring that the patient is comfortable and ideally at home, we can create a peaceful and familiar setting to reminisce and share memories during life’s final moments. Whether or not the patient can participate in conversation, our priority is to ensure a peaceful and fulfilling end-of-life experience for the patient and family to share stories and celebrate life.  

The Gift of Dignity 

Caregivers who work in the field of hospice are dedicated to their patients and work to maintain their dignity through the final stages of life. By understanding our patients’ wishes and connecting with family members to gain insight into what their needs are, we can establish a plan of care and begin educating and providing support that is most helpful to all those involved. By respecting our patients wishes and maintaining their comfort, we create a scenario where dignity is maintained through confident and effective caregiving.