HOSPICE LIFE CARE

The hospice philosophy recognizes that every person deserves to live out his or her life with respect and dignity, alert and free of pain, in an environment that promotes quality of life. This concept of care came to the United States in the early 1970s, at a time when the vast majority of terminally ill people died in the hospital, often alone and in pain. From its beginnings, hospice has focused on the whole person - body, mind and spirit - with an understanding that serious illness profoundly impacts not only the patient, but family and loved ones too

Over the years, the medical community came to embrace hospice for bringing quality end-of-life services into the home, wherever home may be. Now, with the support of hospice professionals and volunteers, individuals may maintain control over their end-of-life choices. They do so knowing that hospice will support the patient and family in a multitude of ways.

Volunteers work cooperatively with the patient, family and the primary physician to provide this byservices form of care. Hospice addresses the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the patient, while attending to the equally important needs of the family and caregivers.

Contact: Anita Magovern,amagover

Website: Hospice of Massachusetts