Defining Terms
This type of care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, at any stage of the disease.
What is palliative care?
This member of the hospice team manages the patient's pain and other physical symptoms.
Who is the nurse?
To be eligible for hospice care, a doctor must certify this about the patient's prognosis.
What is a life expectancy of six months or less?
A common myth is that entering hospice means this has been given up on what?
What is hope?
In addition to the patient, this group of people is also considered a unit of care in hospice.
Who is the family?
This is a specific type of palliative care for people who have a life expectancy of six months or less, and who have decided to no longer seek curative treatments.
What is hospice care?
This team member helps the patient and family navigate financial and legal issues, and provides emotional support.
Who is the social worker?
The majority of hospice care is provided in this location.
What is the patient's home?
People often believe hospice is only for this specific disease.
What is cancer?
This type of support is provided to the patient's loved ones after the patient has passed away.
What is bereavement support?
The primary goal of both palliative and hospice care is to improve this for the patient and their family.
What is quality of life?
This professional provides spiritual support and helps the patient and family address their spiritual questions and needs.
Who is the chaplain or spiritual counselor?
This document, also known as a living will, specifies a person's wishes for medical care at the end of life.
What is an advance directive?
A key misconception is that hospice patients cannot receive this; in reality, they can receive care for conditions not related to their terminal illness.
What is medical treatment?
A common feeling experienced by family members of a hospice patient before the death occurs.
What is anticipatory grief?
Unlike hospice, palliative care can be provided at the same time as this kind of treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation.
What is curative treatment?
This person can provide comfort and companionship, and help with errands or household chores.
Who is the volunteer?
Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans cover this type of care.
What is hospice care?
Some people fear that hospice will lead to a hastened death or that it involves this controversial practice.
What is assisted suicide or euthanasia?
This type of hospice care provides short-term relief to a patient's primary caregiver.
What is respite care?
A team providing this type of care includes doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains, working together to address the patient's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
What is a palliative care team?
In addition to the core team, this type of therapist may work with patients to manage symptoms and improve function.
Who is a physical or occupational therapist?
The hospice benefit under Medicare covers medications, medical equipment, and nursing care related to this specific condition.
What is the terminal illness?
The phrase "a peaceful death" in the context of hospice care is often confused with this, but it actually means a death with dignity and minimal suffering.
What is a painless death?
This common emotion is often felt by caregivers who have dedicated their lives to caring for a loved one.
What is burnout?