The term "hospice" refers to a concept of supportive care at the end of life as well as a place where such care is provided. Here’s an overview, in brief.
The basic tenet underlying the concept of hospice care is that everyone has a right to die pain free and with dignity. The focus is neither to prolong life nor to hasten death, but rather to make the last stages of life the best they can be.
This can be a difficult concept to accept, but there are many benefits from hospice care for people with cancer and those who love them. It can relieve families of many day-to-day burdens, including medication costs, allowing them to focus on living life fully.
Hospice does not mean immediate death or giving up treatment. A hospice program can help to control symptoms and pain, providing the necessary medications and medical equipment as well as counseling for patients and loved ones, typically available around the clock. A hospice medical team includes a medical director, a nurse, a nurse's aide, a social worker, and a spiritual counselor or chaplain. In most cases the family doctor remains involved as well. Hospice care may be given at home, at a nursing facility or hospital, or, in some cases, at a specialized hospice facility.
Medicare or private insurance covers almost all medical costs for most hospice patients, which can be a significant benefit. Under most insurance reimbursement plans and Medicare, patients are eligible for hospice care when a doctor determines they have six months or less to live.
But many people in hospice care live much longer than expected, some getting a "second wind" partly because of the good care, personal attention, and social and emotional support. Sometimes, people just get better. Whatever the reason, people can choose to withdraw from the hospice-care category at any time.
