Hospice is a special kind of care designed to assist patients, families, and friends during the final stages of a life-limiting illness. The goal is to allow the patient to live out their days with dignity and comfort in the residence of their choice.

• Physical comfort by managing symptoms that might include pain when present
• Emotional support to patients and families/caregivers
• Financial relief with the hospice benefit paying 100% for approved services that are related to the hospice qualifying diagnosis, including medications and equipment
• Care to patients and their families/caregivers in the setting of their choice whenever feasible (most patients are able to stay at home during this time of life)
• Care tailored to the individual needs and wishes of each patient.

• Nurses to provide skilled care and on-call 24/7 for questions and assistance as the condition warrants
• Home health aides to provide personal care services
• Volunteers to stay with the patient to allow the family/caregiver some free time
• Homemaker to help with light housekeeping and cooking as needed
• Chaplain visits upon request
• Social work support when needed
• Pharmacist for consultation regarding hospice medications
• Bereavement services for families/caregivers for up to 13 months after the patient passes away

The plan of care is coordinated through the patient’s primary physician and/or the Advocate Hospice medical director. Again, the focus is on improving the patient’s quality of life through pain and symptom control, psychological and emotional support, and meeting spiritual needs. Emotional and spiritual support also extends to family members to help them cope with their own unique emotional and spiritual needs.