Although she's received many cards, sentiments like that never fail to remind her that she provides a special service indeed. For two years, Hurwitz has been visiting patients spending their final weeks in the most comfortable surroundings of all-their homes. Hospice care is for patients who have a life-limiting illness, and focuses on achieving the best pain relief and quality of life for a patient rather than on curing disease, explains Manjeet Chawla, M.D., an oncologist at Advocate's Bethany Hospital in Chicago.
Hospice care becomes a good option when the side effects of treatment outweigh the benefits.
Hospice patients receive the attention of an interdisciplinary hospice team. Physicians, nurses, aides, chaplains, volunteers and social workers address not just the physical but also the psychological, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families, including preparing the family for a loved one's death. Hospice care, which is available both at home and in hospice units in hospitals and nursing homes, is reimbursable under Medicare, Medicaid and many private insurance carriers. For Margaret and Robert Kalina and their four grown children, hospice was a godsend. Hospice gave me the chance to grant Robert's last wish-to die with dignity.