What is Hospice?
 Focuses on the patient's comfort
rather
than aggressive medical treatment.
 Strives to help people enjoy life and
make
the most of every day.
Provides special and individualized
supportive care to the patient and family
Team effort involving doctors, nurses,
nursing assistants, physical therapists,
nutritionists, social workers, volunteers,
and chaplains who work together to
provide the patient and family with
comfort and fullness of
life.
Enables the dying and grieving period to
be a time of understanding, sharing, and
togetherness.
Provides consistent care to patients and
their families.
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For those who do not want aggressive
treatment
or are not ready psychologically for hospice the
Palliative Program provides staff continuity for
transition to hospice. Patients must meet the home
health criteria of homebound and skilled need.
Factors to Initiate a Palliative
Plan of Care:
Weight loss over the past 2-3 months
Diminished quality of life as
assessed by patient
and family, evidenced by reduction in activities
of daily
living
Determination to interrupt
treatment which
prolongs the dying process or treatment whose
negative outcome outweighs potential benefits.
This determination is made by
patient, family,
representative of patient, or person with
power of
attorney.
Decreased appetite/nutritional
intake over the
past 2-3 months.
Decreased cognitive abilities over
the past 2-3
months.
Observable, documented change in
condition
over the past 2-3 months.
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