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Essay on Benefits of Hospice Care over Hospital Services for end-of-life Care
Hospice is defined as a “facility or program designed to provide a caring environment for supplying the physical and emotional needs of the terminally ill” (Barnett, 1996). Families who decide to participate in hospice care may define the experience as a caring, compassionate way to endure a chronic condition during the roughest of times or at the end of a loved one's time with an illness.
Many are not familiar with hospice, how it works, and what a program's role is in your loved one's life and end-of-life plans versus hospital services. Hospice is a compassionate, patient-centered approach to medical care and support for people at the end of life and their families. It's care focused on maintaining dignity, increasing quality of life, and providing comfort, including pain and symptom control. Hospice recognizes that every person's experience will be different and the hospice team creates a plan of care according to the individual needs and wishes of each patient.
Hospice staff members are available at all times, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is the mission of hospice staff to walk side-by-side with patients and offer support, not only for any physical symptoms, but for emotional and spiritual needs, as well. This support extends to family members, and hospice helps them cope with their own unique emotional and spiritual concerns. Through a team of healthcare professionals, hospice provides:
- “Additional medications, medical equipment and supplies necessary to promote comfort at home or in other hospice settings.
- Medical care focused on maintaining patient comfort, including frequent assessment and help for family members.
- Assistance with personal care and activities of daily living.
- Coordination of community resources and help to the patient and family with non-medical concerns” (Kalina, 2000). Hospice is primarily a concept of care, rather than a specific place.....
