​Hospice care is a philosophy of care centered around the whole family. Since 1982, hospice service has been covered by the Medicare Part A benefit. The goal of hospice is to ease the suffering of those in their final stage of life — both physically, through the administering of medications, but also mentally and spiritually.

Hospice programs also cater to loved ones with things like grief counseling, emotional and spiritual support, and training. Hospice care is not intended to be around the clock although support is available 24/7. The care itself includes intermittent visits in and out of the home and working with the family and caregiver to be able to support their loved one and teaching them different ways to provide that care.

Whether it’s helping with bathing or transferring or administering medications to keep them comfortable, hospice works with the caregivers to do what is necessary to keep the patient in their home. Although many people believe hospice is only for patients with cancer, the service can benefit many more people. Some of the diseases which can qualify a patient for hospice care include:

• End-Stage Cardiovascular Disease
• Stroke
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• End-Stage Renal Disease
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• End-Stage Liver Disease
• End-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
• End-Stage Dementia
• AIDS
• ALS