Hospice View of Death and Dying

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses hospice methodology and their philosophy of death and dying as a natural event. It describes how this philosophy is incorporated into their care and management of terminal ill patients, particularly in the realm of pain management and family involvement. The paper also discusses the benefits of hospice care for its patients and their families.

From the Paper:

"The idea of dying is not normally what most Americans consider as life. However, hospice mentality has shown that once traditional medical treatment fails to provide a second chance at life, one must look for alternative solutions. Hospice care provides the essential medical, physical, spiritual, and mental preparation for the final stage of life, and all for typically less than the cost of continuing treatment in an inpatient facility, (Help Guide, 2008). The goal behind hospice care philosophy is to make the patient as relaxed and comfortable as possible in order to enjoy the last few moments with family and friends. However, hospice philosophy does not view death as a negative or fearful thing. Rather, it views death as a natural part of life; therefore every effort should be made by the patient, medical staff, family, and friends in order to make this next transition as smooth as possible. Although much different from traditional medical treatments, hospice care proves essential for those individuals who do not want to continue a hopeless fight at the sacrifice of their dignity and comfort."

Sample of Sources Used:

• American Cancer Society. "What is Hospice Care?" www.cancer.org. 2008. 24 May. 2008. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_2_5X_What_Is_Hospice_Care.asp?sitearea=ETO
• Harrison, Irene. "Hospice Care." Cancer Supportive Care Programs. www.cancersupportivecare.com. 2007. 24 May. 2008. http://www.cancersupportivecare.com/hospice.html
• Help Guide. "Hospice Care: Full Service Support at Home or in a Facility." www.helpguide.org. 2008. 24 May. 2008. http://www.helpguide.org/elder/hospice_care.htm
• Hospice Patient's Alliance. "Pain Control: Methods and Standards of Care." www.hospicepatients.org. 2008. 24 May. 2008. http://www.hospicepatients.org/hospic29.html

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