Guidelines for Hospice Care
Hospice care consists of services that assist terminally ill patients to live their final days in comfort and with dignity. "Hospice" refers to a concept of care, rather than a place of care, and can take place at either a patient's home or a special hospice facility, according to Eldercare.com.
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Specific Services
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Services offered through hospice care vary depending on the particular needs of the individual; they are geared toward addressing the physical and psychological needs of patients, as well as providing support for family members. Hospice care generally provides pain control, symptom management and emotional and spiritual support.
Hospice Care Team
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In contrast to services available at a typical hospital, hospice care generally involves a team of service providers who perform separate but equally vital roles in assisting patients in their end-of-life days. In addition to the patient and his family caregivers, these teams typically include doctors, nurses, home health aides, clergy or spiritual counselors, and volunteers if needed.
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Appropriateness of Hospice Care
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The decision to seek hospice care is a deeply personal one and depends on the patient's physical condition, philosophy of living and spirituality, as well as the concerns and wishes of family members. Hospice care is usually covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans, as long as the patient meets eligibility requirements.
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