How can comfort of terminal patients be improved?
Hospice is a special concept of care designed to provide comfort and support to patients and their families when a life-limiting illness no longer responds to cure-oriented treatments. Hospice care neither prolongs life nor hastens death. Hospice staff and volunteers offer a specialized knowledge of medical care, including pain management. The goal of hospice care is to improve the quality of a patient’s last days by offering comfort and dignity. Hospice care is provided by a team-oriented group of specially trained professionals, volunteers and family members. Hospice addresses all symptoms of a disease, with a special emphasis on controlling a patient’s pain and discomfort. Hospice deals with the emotional, social and spiritual impact of the disease on the patient and the patient’s family and friends. Hospice offers a variety of bereavement and counseling services to families before and after a patient’s death.
