University Hospice

Specialties

Hospice care offers comfort, compassion dignity to those with life-​limiting illness Hospice is a philosophy of coordinated care for patients and their loved ones. Approx 1.45 mil people in the United States cared for by hospice programs annually The reasons vary, but those generally identified are simple. Hospice does not seek to lengthen life nor hasten death but focuses on the quality of life. Hospice workers provide patients & family with information and opportunities to participate in the decision making process. The focus is always on controlling pain, managing symptoms and providing comfort, dignity and quality of life. The hospice staff assists with all the traditional physical care tasks, such as bathing, managing pain medications and arranging medical equipment and therapies. Staff and volunteers perform simple tasks including assisting with household chores, helping put financial matters in order, talking openly about feelings, arranging transportation to doctor appoint and helping family members cope. Care for the terminally ill in the home generally provides patients more privacy and control of their environment, such as when to eat, what to eat, when to bathe, when to have company, visits with pets, etc. It is also more convenient for family and friends to visit the patient at home.