Hospice of the Finger Lakes

What is Hospice?

The word "Hospice" originated in medieval Europe and described a place where travelers, weary from long journeys, could seek shelter, nourishment and rest.

Today the hospice concept has been adapted to mean a program of care which meets the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs in the familiar surroundings of the patient's home.

"Hospice provides support and care for persons in the last phases of an incurable disease so that they may live as fully and comfortably as possible. Hospice recognizes dying as a part of the normal process of living and focuses on maintaining the quality of remaining life. Hospice affirms life and neither hastens nor postpones death. Hospice exists in the hope and belief that through appropriate care, and the promotion of a caring community sensitive to their needs, patients and their families may be free to attain a degree of mental and spiritual preparation for death that is satisfactory to them"
Source: National Hospice Organization

The Philosophy of Hospice Care:

Hospice provides appropriate skilled, compassionate care to patients and their families so that they receive the support, help and guidance they need to meet the challenges of serious illness. A personalized plan of care incorporating what is important to the patient and the caregiver is developed. It is sensitive to their needs and emphasizes quality of life, and assists patients to live as fully and comfortably as possible. The philosophy of care that we call HOSPICE has been practiced in New York State for more than two decades.

Hospice:

• Embraces all patients coping with advanced illnesses
• Focuses on comfort rather than cure
• Emphasizes quality of life
• Promotes personal choice and individual dignity
• Respects the traditions and wishes of the patient and the patient's family
• Most often provides care in the patient's home, but when necessary, can also provide care in the nursing home and inpatient setting
• Utilizes current treatments and medications
• Addresses physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs
• Provides care and support to the bereaved

Palliative Care:

Many hospice programs have added palliative care to their names to reflect the range of care and services they provide, as hospice care and palliative care share the same core values and philosophies. As defined by the World Health organization, palliative care seeks to address not only physical pain, but also emotional, social and spiritual pain to achieve the best possible quality of life for patients and their families. Palliative care extends the principles of hospice care to a broader population that could benefit from receiving this type of care earlier in their illness or disease process.
Source: Hospice and Pallative Care Association of New York State

Hospice of the Finger Lakes is on Facebook

Hospice of the Finger Lakes is now on Facebook. Be sure to visit us on Facebook.