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When a patient has an illness for which there is no cure and
further treatments are not advised, hospice care may be an option.
Hospice is a philosophy of care that enhances life for a dying
person and provides support for the individual and their family.
Whether someone with a terminal illness chooses to die at home or in
a hospice facility, hospice care can be provided.
Hospice care emphasizes comfort measures and counseling to the
physical, spiritual, and social needs of the person and family.
Hospice addresses all of the symptoms of a disease with special
attention to pain management. The pain arising from a terminal
illness may be overwhelming and the hospice professionals possess
the skills and resources to keep the person as pain free as
possible.
Hospice care is sensitive, dignified, and has been shown to have
a high level of patient and family satisfaction. The goal of hospice
care is not to prolong life but to provide medical treatments that
alleviate pain, or maintain comfort throughout the dying process.
The care is provided by a team of professionals and volunteers
available 24 hours a day.
Hospice care may be initiated through your doctor. After the loss
of a loved one, hospice care may continue to support the family with
bereavement programs.
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