“It’s about how you live.” That’s the theme of this year’s National Hospice and Palliative Care Month 2017. Brashear Family Medical encourages everyone to learn about what care options are available when facing a serious or life-limiting illness—long before a medical crisis occurs.
What is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month?
During the month of November, the home care and hospice community honor the millions of nurses, home care aides, therapists and social workers.
These individuals make a remarkable difference for the patients and families they serve. In addition, these heroic caregivers play a significant role in our health system and in homes across the nation.
Hospice Palliative Care
When a cure is not possible, hospice palliative care provides expert pain management, symptom control, emotional support and spiritual care to patients and family caregivers.
Hospice ensures patients receive comfort, love and respect during one of life’s most significant experiences—the journey at life’s end.
Important Points to Know About Hospice
- Hospice care is typically provided in the home, which can be wherever the patient calls home.
- Hospice care is for individuals with any kind of life-limiting illness.
- Medicare, Medicaid and most private health plans and HMOs fully cover hospice.
- Hospice is not limited to six months of care.
- Hospice is not “giving up; but rather, the focus on caring, not curing.
- Anyone can contact hospice. Therefore, don’t hesitate to call your local program to learn if hospice is right for you or your loved one.
How You Can Participate in National Hospice and Palliative Care Month
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Association has a multitude of resources and information on their website to spread awareness.
Additionally, you can celebrate by making a donation to your local hospice or the Hospice Foundation of America (HFA). The HFA promotes hospice and palliative care and supporting agencies across the U.S.
In 2006, Dr. Brashear began to work as a Hospice Team Physician and acquired Board Certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine in November of 2010. Contact us with the link for more information!