Pain medications are given at regular intervals and in large enough doses to maintain a patient's comfort and pain control. Information has shown that patient's using narcotics to control pain do not become addicted to the drug. There is also proof that uncontrolled pain contributes to terminally ill patients physical, emotional, and mental deterioration. Families and patients are reassured that they have choices and to provide emotional and psychological support. Physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, pastoral and bereavement counselors, and volunteers staff hospice organizations.
Hospice provides care in the patient's home.
Families receive support from nurses, aides, counselors, clergy, and volunteers. There are counseling services provided for the patient and family members to help them to adjust to death and bereavement counseling is available, usually up to one year. Hospice has brought the choice to many to have a better quality of life, to have a life without pain, to stay in the home with family, and for dignity. The Journal of the American Medical Association . A Guide to Hospice Care.