Hospice Fact Sheet

Courtesy of Hospice Care of Nebraska

Hospice Is…

  • A philosophy of care dedicated to caring for individuals with life-limiting illness and their family.
  • Based on the holistic view of addressing palliative (Pain/symptom control) care with regard to physical, spiritual and emotional support.
  • A care alternative that emphasizes the quality of life.
  • An opportunity to spend as much remaining time in the comfort of home as possible, realizing the benefits and limitations to home care.
  • A chance to utilize the approach of an interdisciplinary team for support.
  • Maintaining the ability to make decisions that allow as much "normalcy" as possible.
  • A home-centered program regardless where patients live (whether it be home or nursing facility).

How Hospice Works…

  • Referrals may come from physicians, nurses, family members or patients themselves.
  • Hospice care is ordered by and managed by the patient's attending physician.
  • A plan of care is implemented and centered on support garnered by an interdisciplinary team with the most important member being the patient, with the extent of team involvement being determined by the patient. The interdisciplinary team includes:
    • A nurse visits intermittently to provide skilled assessment and to act as a liaison to the primary physician.
    • A social worker to provide resource information and emotional support.
    • A home health aide to assist with personal care.
    • A minister to provide spiritual care if requested, and is also available as a liaison to the patient's primary minister.
    • A dietitian to assist with nutritional counseling.
    • A pharmacist to provide information concerning medications.
    • A homemaker to assist with light housekeeping tasks.
    • A volunteer coordinator to implement volunteer services including transportation, respite and child care.
    • Therapists who can assess and provide physical, occupational and speech therapy.
    • A program coordinator to provide follow-up to the family unit after the death of the patient.
Hospice often draws families together to care for a loved one. It can assist in enhancing a relationship or to assist in preparing families for the "final good-bye."

Compiled by the Lincoln/Greater Nebraska Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 1999.