How does hospice care for the patient?
Hospice offers palliative rather than curative care, with an emphasis on pain and symptom management through an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, social workers, bereavement counselors, clergy, physical and speech therapists and volunteers who address the medical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological needs of the patient and their loved ones. Hospice is usually provided in the home, but it can be provided in a nursing home or inpatient facility if available. Upon entrance to a hospice, the hospice team will assess the patient s needs and prepare an individualized care plan. The care plan will address medication and equipment needs and outline the care to be provided by the family and the hospice. This plan is updated periodically to allow for increased care as the patient s condition changes. Care giving at home is not always easy and hospice provides telephone consultation on a 24-hour basis and night visits, when appropriate. In addition, hospice volunteers can be prov
