What is Hospice?

Hospice is…

  • A philosophy of care focusing on comfort and quality of life at the end of life.
  • 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 treatment.
  • 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.