PHILOSOPHY OF HOSPICE CARE
Philosophy of Hospice Care The Philosophy of Hospice Care provides palliative (comfort) care rather than curative treatment. Hospice recognizes dying as a normal process, whether or not it results from disease. It is important to understand that Hospice neither hastens nor postpones death; rather, it is designed to meet the unique needs of patients and their families facing a limited life expectancy. Essentially, Hospice Care emphasizes the quality of life rather than quantity, and it recognizes dying as a natural part of life.
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
― Mae West
— goodreads.com
PALLIATIVE CARE VS CURATIVE CARE
Understanding the distinction between palliative and hospice care vs curative care is an important part of the decision process. Curative care focuses on the quantity of life and offers treatments, aimed at prolonging life as the primary goal. It can include aggressive and invasive treatments and could involve hospitalizations. You may wish to consult with your doctor(s) and your family about this choice. Ultimately, the decision is a personal one.
Another approach is palliative care for those with a life-limiting illness or condition. For those who have been diagnosed with curative treatments that are no longer effective, hospice may be the preferred choice. Hospice care focuses on comfort and improving the quality of life. The doctors and nurses providing care are trained in palliative medicine (comfort) rather than curative treatment. Hospice views death as a natural process. The goal of hospice care is to provide relief and ease pain whenever possible and enhance the patient’s overall quality of life in their last days.