What is hospice care for cancer patients?

Hospice provides a compassionate, supportive network of professionals and trained volunteers to help manage the physical, practical and spiritual challenges that can arise during advanced cancer. Better pain management, assistance with getting personal and legal affairs in order, and emotional support are some of the reasons that survivors choose hospice care.

Hospice services are family-centered and are delivered by a team of specially trained and compassionate health care professionals and volunteers. They work with patients, loved ones and caregivers to help ease the pain and stress that can occur during advanced illness.

The term palliative care is often used to describe the type of care given in hospice programs. Palliative care emphasizes the total well-being of the survivor as well as that of loved ones and caregivers. The goal is to prevent, treat or eliminate discomfort whenever and however it appears.

Hospice care allows people with advanced cancer and other illnesses to be surrounded by those they love and to be as comfortable as possible. The care is compassionate and comprehensive. Care planning involves the patient, loved ones and caregivers.

Hospice care includes services such as:

• Medical and physical care
• Best pain-control treatments
• Emotional and spiritual care
• Practical care assistance

Hospice care is a misunderstood health benefit, says palliative medicine specialist Dr. Stewart Fleishman. Watch the video to learn more about hospice care for cancer patients.