Goals of Hospice Care

The overarching goal of hospice care is to provide comfort and support to individuals with a life limiting illness, enabling them to live as fully and comfortably as possible until the end of their life. Below is further detail about how the goal is accomplished:

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Medical Care

One of the first goals of hospice is medical care. During hospice, medical professionals work to provide the best possible care to patients to give them a better quality of life. The medical needs of each patient will vary depending on diagnosis and circumstance.

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Personal Care

Personal care is also a primary goal of hospice. Due to life limiting illnesses, hospice patients often have difficulties completing daily tasks. The purpose of personal care is to assist patients with everyday tasks and activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and moving around.

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Pain Management

Another main focus of hospice care is pain management. The goal of pain management is to ensure patient comfort and to ease the symptoms of their condition. Pain management can involve the prescription of medications and alternative pain management, ie. massages, music, daily exercise, etc.

Counseling

Counseling is also an essential element of hospice care. Hospice not only works to meet the physical needs of patients but the mental, spiritual, and emotional needs also. Counseling services are available to help patients and their families with end-of-life questions and issues.

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End-of-Life Planning

One more aim of hospice care is end-of-life planning. Hospice patients who are nearing end-of-life still have some very important decisions to make, and hospice care professionals are able to assist with the process throughout their time caring for a patient. Professionals will help patients get all the necessary documents together and create an appropriate end-of-life plan that respects their values and any cultural differences.