History

• The first documented institution to administer hospice services to patients was St. Christopher's House of suburban London, back in 1967. This institution was founded by Dr. Dame Cicely Saunders with intentions of providing comfort and care for the dying.
  
  

Identification

• In order for a patient to quality for hospice care, he must have a terminal condition with a prognosis of 6 months or less to live. Some common conditions include but aren't limited to:
  Cancer
  Advanced coronary obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  Congestive heart failure
  Severe Alzheimer's disease
  Liver disease
  AIDS
  Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease)
  
  

Features

• In most cases, the following patient services are provided by hospice companies:
  
  Specialized nurses who administer medication and order medical equipment specific to the hospice-related condition
  
  Home health aides and nurse assistants who may bathe and dress patients
  
  Chaplains providing spiritual care
  
  Volunteers who may perform light housekeeping duties
  
  

Benefits

• Hospice care reduces a caregiver's burden and stress in caring for a terminally ill loved one. In addition, many of the expenses in providing this care are reimbursed by insurance companies. Finally, these services can be administered wherever a patient calls home.
  
  

Misconceptions

• Many people who are unaware of the benefits of hospice care may be inclined to have a negative impression. For example, some (including physicians) may view the receiving of hospice care as "giving up." Consequently, many patients are placed on hospice care programs only days before dying, despite the data that shows these services may actually prolong life.