About Hospice
What is hospice?
The first modern hospice emerged in England in 1968. By the mid 1970’s, hospice had come to the United States and soon thereafter the Medicare and Medical Assistance programs established hospice benefits. Now, most private insurance plans, HMO’s and other managed care organizations include hospice benefits, making hospice available for people of all ages.
Hospice is comprehensive care offering services and support to those living with terminal illness and their loved ones when a cure is no longer the goal. Generally, hospice is appropriate for persons who are in the last six months of their life; however hospice services are available as long as needed, provided the eligibility criteria are met. The emphasis of hospice care is on quality of life, and on maximizing comfort as conditions take their natural course. Hospice care is holistic, delivered by a team of professionals and trained volunteers, designed to address the physical, emotional, spiritual and psychosocial issues that accompany end of life. Focus is given to controlling distressing symptoms, as well as other concerns the patient or family may have.
Who is eligible?
Patients of any age with a life-limiting disease or condition are eligible for hospice. The patient is expected to have a prognosis of six months or less to live and the patient is no longer seeking or receiving curative treatment.