Hospice

When a person is in the last stages of life, their physician or other care team member may suggest transitioning toward a comfort-based approach administered by a hospice organization. Hospice care is appropriate for people who have an illness or injury that reduces their life expectancy to six months or less; eligibility for hospice care is determined by hospice organizations in conversation with a person’s physician.

Hospice care does not hasten a person’s death. Hospices focus on providing care at the end of life focused on symptom management with the goal of improving quality of life and preparing for a good death. It might seem strange to contemplate, but having an idea of what a “good death” would be for you can sometimes be of help when considering what kind of medical treatment to pursue.

The hospice team provides supportive care to people nearing death and their families with a multi-disciplinary approach including physicians, nursing, social work, spiritual care, and bereavement support. Some organizations may have other team members like pharmacists, music therapists, or nursing assistants. Based on a person’s situation and need hospice care can be offered in the home, at a care facility, or in a hospital or in-patient hospice facility. Under most circumstances, hospice provides support, but not 24 hour caregiving.

There may be more than one hospice organization that serves your area, and you may want to meet with more than one organization to see which one may be the best fit for your needs. Some people are able to use their insurance to pay for hospice services and others make use of Medicare benefits. Most hospice benefits do not cover room and board at a facility or additional caregiving.

When a person is receiving care from a hospice organization, their local congregations may want to explore with them and their family what kind of support would be helpful. Often people are no longer able to attend worship or functions, and may want someone to visit them where they are. There may be special rituals or blessings that need to be provided, or perhaps a token of care like a blanket or shawl that can be shared. Sometimes family members need extra support as they take on caregiving responsibilities.

 

Moments of Life: https://moments.nhpco.org/

Dispelling Myths: https://hospicefoundation.org/Hospice-Care/Dispelling-Hospice-Myths

Christian Century. “Dying in Community: The Black Church and Hospice Care” https://www.christiancentury.org/article/2013-07/dying-community