What is Hospice? 

Hospice is…

a philosophy of care focusing on comfort and quality of life at the end of life.

a concept of care designed to provide comfort and support to patients and their families when a life-limiting illness no longer responds to cure-oriented treatments.

focused on the whole person so that emotional, social, and spiritual needs are addressed along with physical. Family members also receive care and support.

provided by a team-oriented group of specially trained professionals and volunteers who provide support for the patient and family

skilled, aggressive, and compassionate care with the goals of comfort, freedom from pain, and giving the person as much independence and control for as long as possible.

provided on an intermittent basis as needed by the individual, but services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

covered under Medicare, Medicaid (TennCare) and many private insurance plans.

sensitive to the patient’s personal, cultural and religious values, beliefs and practices.

a service that does not require that you give up regular maintenance medications or medications that improve comfort and quality of life.

not a one-way street. Patients can “check out” or “revoke” at any time.