Hospice care is a particular type of compassionate care that addresses all the needs of a person who becomes very ill – not just the immediate physical needs, but also the emotional, psychological, social and spiritual needs. In addition, hospice addresses the needs of the family and friends of the ill person to the greatest extent possible so that all concerned can maintain dignity and quality of life. An important part of hospice is that patients and families help decide what care is right for them. All patients have certain rights to care, which includes:

• Treatment related to the life-limiting illness that is included in the hospice plan of care, plus medical equipment and supplies, services, and coordination of care.
• Medications to control the pain and other symptoms of the life-limiting illness.
• Hospice inpatient care (both acute care and respite care) in a hospice facility.
• Home visits by hospice staff, plus skilled in-home nursing for crisis management.
• Consulting physicians.
• Volunteer support.
• Bereavement follow-up.

Hospice is a choice, not a requirement. The patient may choose to withdraw from the hospice plan of care at any time to seek other medical treatments that may become available. Many hospice patients are covered by Medicare or Medicaid – for more information click on  Paying for Hospice Care.

Hospice programs exist in every county in Michigan. Hospice workers and volunteers in all locations are dedicated to providing care to the seriously ill in a manner that honors them and celebrates their lives. (A locator to help find a hospice provider in your area can be accessed by clicking here Finding a Hospice.)

You can learn more about hospice and palliative care by clicking on these menu items:

• Palliative Care
• The Hospice Team
• Levels of Hospice Care