The Philosophy of Hospice

Hospice care is a philosophy of care focused on comfort, quality of life, and assisting those nearing the end of life. It is a system of care oriented towards treating pain and other symptoms without curing the illness.

Hospice is a unique type of care, offering individuals with life-limiting illnesses a choice to live as fully as possible in the comfort of their own home. Patients can choose to remain in an environment that is familiar to them, surrounded by family, friends and loved ones. Hospice gives individuals the ability to be in control of all aspects of their care when they can no longer benefit from curative treatment.

Hospice is a concept of care that affirms life and regards dying as a natural process in the life cycle. It helps prepare individuals and family members for a peaceful death while preserving dignity.

Terminal diseases and life-limiting illnesses are traumatic and can challenge many aspects of patients’ and their loved ones’ lives. Providing comfort and support throughout the process is an important component of hospice care. In most cases hospice care is provided to the patient at their home. Hospice care is a team effort. The patient’s family and loved ones are actively involved along with an interdisciplinary team of nurses, therapists, care professionals and volunteers. With the help and support of the hospice care team, the patient and their family can attain physical, emotional, and spiritual preparation for the end of life.

Supporting Patients and Their Families

Hospice is a special type of care in that includes support for a patient and their family. Although a life-limiting illness or terminal disease physically affects the patient, the entire family is impacted. Hospice support for the family continues up to a year after the death of their loved one.

Who Pays for Hospice?

Hospice care services are covered by Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurance benefits. If you are not insured or not able to fully pay, HP Healthcare may be able to provide financial assistance through our Hospice Memorial Foundation for hospice services.

Why Choose HP Healthcare?

At HP Healthcare, we believe in the importance of meaningful relationships, the value of dignity and respect and cherish the ability to provide exceptional care and support to every individual at every stage of life. We strive to make a positive difference each day and to create memorable moments that will enrich your life.

HP Healthcare serves as a resource to the community for end-of-life care and related issues. We seek to provide care for all appropriate patients and families who need hospice services regardless of their ability to pay.

After receiving a diagnosis for limited life expectancy, patients must make an important choice between aggressive medical treatment and alternative options such as hospice care. Medical treatment regards death as a “failure”, and it focuses on curing the physical illness rather than satisfying the patient’s emotional, spiritual, and comfort needs. Medical treatment often requires intensive care in a clinical setting that can diminish the patient’s quality of life. Hospice, on the other hand, regards death as a natural process and attempts manage pain, control symptoms and enhance the quality of life in the remaining days.

Hospice care neither prolongs life nor hastens death, but relieves pain and physical discomfort so that the patient can experience a more peaceful and satisfying state near the end of life. Hospice care is designed to take place in the home. Many families tell us that they waited too long to take full advantage of all the benefits offered by hospice care.