Types of Cancer
Hospice
The term "hospice" originated in medieval times when it was used to describe a place of shelter and rest for weary or sick travelers on long journeys. Today hospice programs provide care for the patient whose illness is no longer responding to aggressive curative therapies. Hospice addresses all the symptoms of the disease with special emphasis on controlling the patient's pain and discomfort. Hospice also deals with the emotional, social and spiritual impact of disease on the patient, the patient's family, and significant others.
A hospice team consists of physicians, nurses, aides, social workers, spiritual care givers, counselors, therapists and volunteers - all of whom are specially trained to provide pain and symptom management for the patient and support for the family. The goal of all hospice programs is to improve the quality of the patient's last days and weeks of life by offering comfort and dignity. Because each patient's/family's needs are unique, a hospice team works with the patient and family to develop a personalized care plan. Hospice brings this caring team right to the patient's home, be it a house, apartment, nursing home or assisted living setting. Always, the focus is on controlling pain, managing symptoms, providing comfort, dignity and quality of life.
To learn more about Hospice or find a Hospice program in your area, ask your physician or contact the social worker at (309) 451-2217.
Helpful websites providing more information about Hospice Programs:
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
American Cancer Society
OSF Home Care
