Life Choices
COMMUNICATING ABOUT END OF LIFE
Life Choices: Page 10 of 36
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Life sustaining treatments: Hospice care
Hospice care
In a recent survey, 70 percent of Americans said they would prefer to be cared for and die at home, but in Missouri less than 30 percent of people spend their final days in their homes. In some cases, a hospital or nursing home is the most appropriate place for a person to die, such as when advanced medical technology is necessary. But most people who die in hospitals and nursing homes could die at home if support were available.
In recent years, more Missourians have had the opportunity to die at home or in a homelike setting because of hospice care. Hospice care focuses on relieving the symptoms of persons who are dying rather than trying to cure them. Hospice accepts death as a natural part of life.
A team of care providers creates a plan for the patient to control pain and allow them to live life to the fullest until they die. The care team usually includes a doctor, nurse, counselors, clergy, volunteers and aides. Hospice care can be provided wherever the patient calls home — the patient's own home, a nursing home, a hospital, assisted living or a hospice facility.
The hospice team addresses not only physical symptoms, but also emotional, psychological and spiritual needs. The patient's family also receives care in many ways including respite care that gives family members and other caregivers a break. Counselors and social workers also spend time with the family. This support continues for up to a year after the patient dies.
Medicare, private health insurance and Medicaid usually cover the cost of hospice care for eligible patients. To qualify, a patient must have a life expectancy of six months or less and agree to forgo curative medical treatments. Many hospices receive donations from the community and offer services based on need, rather than a patient's ability to pay.
Studies show patients benefit most from hospice care if they receive care for at least 60 days, thus getting the pain and symptom management they need as well as psychological and spiritual support. However, most patients receive hospice care for about 36 days and many for one week or less.
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