Hospice and
Palliative Care
Hospice Care-- “Hospice”
is a word that has come down to us from the Middle Ages, when it was
used to describe a waystation where travelers, pilgrims and ill people
could rely on receiving safe care and safe treatment. It comes from the
same root word as hospitality and hospital. The term
“hospice” has come to mean a philosophy of care for the
terminally ill. Our hospice program is designed to meet the unique
needs of patients and their families in Addison County. We provide
considerate, respectful care for the physical, emotional, social and
spiritual needs of our patients and their families. We encourage active
participation by the patient and family in decisions regarding care and
suggested changes in treatment. Our nurses and social worker
collaborate with an interdisciplinary team including the hospice
medical director, chaplain and volunteer coordinator to assure that
patient needs and desires are met. Hospice enables people in the final
stages of life to achieve the highest quality of life for both the
individual and the family with an emphasis placed on palliation of
symptoms, pain management and emotional support.
Palliative Care-- The
term palliative care has evolved to mean the comprehensive management
of the physical, psychological and social needs of patients who are
facing life threatening illnesses and are choosing active treatment
and/or hospitalization. Our nurses, social worker and other support
services focus on providing the care, support and resources to the
patient and his/her family so that their energy can be focused on
quality of life.
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