Hospice is not a place, but a philosophy of end-of-life care. Hospice does not hasten nor prolong death but uses symptom management such as pain control to allow for the highest quality of life possible. The goal of hospice is to maintain dignity and peace for the patient and family for as long as life continues. Hospice treats the person rather than the disease or illness. Hospice is ordered by the patients physician when cure is no longer possible but there continues to be a need for comfort care. Comfort care is also known as palliative care.. The hospice team can care for a patient anywhere they call home; i.e.: private home, skilled nursing facility, assisted living, or independent living. The hospice team consists of the Medical Director, RNs, LPNs, Certified Nurses Aides, Social workers, Spiritual care coordinators, volunteers and bereavement counselors as well as the complimentary services such as massage, music, pet, and aroma therapies .The hospice bereavement counselor will offer support to the survivors for up to 13 months after the death.All hospices that are Medicare and Medicaid certified must operate using the same regulations. There is no difference between for- profit and not-for-profit hospices as far as following the Medicare/Medicaid guidelines and caring for the patient/ family. Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance will pay for the hospice benefits which include medication, equipment, supplies, nursing and other services that are used for the comfort of the patient.All hospice care is developed around the physicians orders, patient needs, family involvement and the living environment. The patient is qualified for hospice with a physicians certification of life expectancy of 6 months or less. The RN will prepare a plan of care with the patient, family/caregiver, physician, hospice team and the Medical Director of Hospice. This plan will determine the needed pain control, symptom management, personal care (bathing, linen change, skin care, meal preparation when needed. Hospice care also includes medication management, medical equipment, nursing visits, counseling, spiritual care and social worker as requested. Volunteers are trained to sit with patients, provide comfort and companionship as desired by the patient and family/caregivers. Other services such as the music and massage therapy are offered to the patients through out their care.Hospice staff members are available 24/7 for questions, problem solving and crisis management. Hospice can assist your family/caregiver with the sometimes daunting challenges of your loved ones final passage.Editors Note: This article was written by Pamela Farrell RN, PHN, BSN, MSHA, Administrator of Mountain Valley HealthCare and Hospice, an AccentCare company serving northern Colorado to northern DenverFor questions concerning Home Health or Hospice, please call 970-346-9700