Reference: http://www.hospicefoundation.org/
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Hospice is a special 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 treatments.
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Hospice care neither prolongs
life nor hastens death. Hospice staff and volunteers offer a specialized knowledge
of medical care, including pain management.
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The goal of hospice care is to
improve the quality of a patient's last days by offering comfort and dignity.
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Hospice care is provided by a team-oriented group
of specially trained professionals, volunteers and family members.
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Hospice addresses all symptoms
of a disease, with a special emphasis on controlling
a patient's pain and discomfort.
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Hospice deals with the emotional, social and spiritual
impact of the disease on the patient and the patient's family
and friends.
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Hospice offers a variety of bereavement and counseling services
to families before and after a patient's death.