Harrison's Hope believes that Death is a part of life. It is the final stage of life, and the last chapter. We worry that so much emphasis is placed on finding a cure that many people experience death by surprise. It simply creeps up on them because the focus has not been placed on comfort and living each moment. When this happens patients and families are not able to plan for death, spend precious time together, and say goodbye to their loved ones. Despite all the advances in diagnosis and treatment, a cure is not always possible. Whether it is a slow decline or a very fast and sudden decline, most of the time continued treatment, even if available, will compromise a person's quality of life. After a discussion with the physician and consideration of treatment options and the potential outcomes, it may be time for palliative or hospice care. Some patients and families are frightened by the word hospice, believing that all treatment will be discontinued and the patient is simply being sent home to die. However, the word "hospice" simply means "hospitality" and comes from medieval times when people opened up thier homes for weary travelers. These places were called hospice houses. The kind of care provided to the travelers was comfort care.
Hospice is a philosophy of care and a philosophy of life. The hospice philosophy embraces a holistic approach that encompasses the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs of the individual and family. The patient and family are seen as the unit of care. Care has to be individualized to meet the patient's and the family's needs, as well as being responsive to the differences in lifestyles.
The hospice philosophy:
- Affirms Life
- Promotes self-determination, including patients and families in the plan of care
- Provides education to help patients and families provide appropriate care
- Promotes understanding and accepting that the journey of life eventually leads to death, encouraging everyone to view the experience as an opportunity for growth
- Emphasizes palliation, which includes physical, psychological, and spiritual comfort delivered by a multidisciplinary team.
When medical treatments have been exhausted or the burden of treatment outweighs the benefits, it is time to consider hospice. Most people would like to end their lives surrounded by friends and family. Most people if asked do not want to die in the hospital, or connected to machines, or in unnecessary surgery. Most people choose comfort, but family or some doctors may keep them in forms of curative treatment for too long. By bringing services into the home, Long-Term-Care Facility, or Assisted Living Facility, hospices help patients and families provide necessary care and education. Patients and families are able to retain a greater sense of control over end of life events with this knowledge and assistance. Hospice is optimal at home with caregivers (family). However, it is also incredibly beneficial in nursing homes and assisted living facilities to ensure pain and symptom management and to provide support to patients and families. The hospice experience can foster spiritual and personal growth as the hospice team empowers patients and families to manage difficult situations.