It seemed at first an impossibility for a hospital this size to offer a comprehensive hospice program. But focusing on the health care needs of the community, TCMH realized the need and initiated a strong commitment to making the project become a reality . One year after the birth of the progam, Hospice of Care became the first hospital-based Medicare approved program in Missouri. Serving patients within a 40 mile radius of the hospital, the program was established in recognition of special needs of terminally ill patients and their families. The purpose of the program is to provide an environment in which the patient can live each day to the fullest through symptom control, including relief of pain.
Hospice recognizes dying as a normal process.
Hospice neither hastens nor postpones death. Through appropriate care, and an environment sensitive to their needs, patients and family may be free to attain a degree of mental and spiritual preperation for death that is satisfactory for them. Patients are eligible for admission to the Hospice of Care program if their illness is irreversible and their life expectancy is measured in weeks or months. For such people their quality of life can be enhanced and their comfort increased through Hospice services. Patients are admitted to the hospice program through a physician referral, family member, or friends.