Hospice is a special kind of care designed to provide sensitivity and support for people in the final phase of a terminal illness. Hospice care seeks to enable patients to carry on an alert, pain-free life and to manage other symptoms so that their last days may be spent with dignity and quality at home or in a home-like setting.

How Hospice Works
Hospice services are available to persons who can no longer benefit from curative treatment; the typical hospice patient has a life expectancy of six months or less. Most receive care at home. Services are provided by a team of trained professional-physicians, nurses, counselors, therapists, social workers, aides and volunteers-who provide medical care and support services not only to the patient,but to the patient's family and loved ones. The patient is usually referred to hospice by the primary physician. Referrals can also be made by family members, friends, clergy, or health professionals.

Hospice Service Include:

• Professional Management and Coordination of care
• Medications, medical equipment and supplies
• Physician servies
• Skilled Nursing
• Social Workers
• Home Health Aides
• Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy