The meaning of the word hospice has changed through the years. The word comes from the root word hospitality. Further, it can be traced back to medieval times when it referred to a place to rest for weary or ill travelers. The term was first used to describe care for dying patients by Dame Cicely Saunders, an English doctor. Saunders started working with the terminally ill in 1948 and started the first modern hospice. Later, she brought the idea to the U.S. during a visit to Yale University in 1963.
Palliative Care Treatment is a specialized approach to medical care for patients with serious illnesses. A multidisciplinary approach is used to find patients relief from symptoms, pain and physical and mental stress. The idea is to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. A team of professionals who perform the care, including doctors, nurses and other health care workers. Ideas about hospice and palliative care started to change in 1969. Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross wrote a book called, On Death and Dying. The book is based on more than 500 interviews with dying patients. In the book, Kubler-Ross urged home care for the dying rather than being in an institution. She went on to testify at the first senate hearings on the subject of death with dignity.
In 1974, the first legislation introduced in the senate to provide federal funding for hospice programs failed. Eventually, a government task force recommended hospice for the care of the terminally ill. The task force recommended federal support for the program. Finally, a Medicare Hospice benefit was made permanent by Congress. Today, hospice and Palliative Care Treatment are accepted forms of health care. Hospice service is provided in an institution or at home. Health care workers work in conjunction with physicians to provide home visits, medication management, volunteer support and medical equipment. People who are declining due to illness find support from hospice workers. They receive medical attention, and equipment is brought to the home for their comfort. Indeed, the services may improve their quality of life. Living at home in your last days is a source of comfort.
