by David Inabinett
There may come a time when hospice care is recommended for you or someone you love.
While this can be incredibly difficult to process, learning about hospice care can bring peace of
mind and help you face this stage with greater understanding and support.
What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is a special kind of support for people nearing the end of life due to a terminal
illness. It’s not about curing the illness; it’s about providing comfort, dignity, and quality of life
during the time the individual has remaining. The goal is to help individuals live as fully and
peacefully as possible in the time they have left, while also offering support to their loved ones.
Key Aspects of Hospice Care
● Eligibility: Hospice care is usually recommended when a doctor determines that a
patient has six months or less to live if the illness follows its natural course. If the
patient’s situation improves or, for example, they enter a clinical trial, they may leave
hospice care and return later, if necessary.
● Location: Hospice care can be provided wherever the patient feels most
comfortable—whether that’s at home, a hospice center, a hospital, or a nursing home. If
the patient chooses to stay at home, hospice arranges rental of all necessary equipment,
nurse visits, medications, and more.
● A Team Approach: Hospice brings together a compassionate team—doctors, nurses,
social workers, chaplains, counselors, and volunteers—all focused on not just the
patient’s physical needs, but emotional, spiritual, and practical concerns.
What Services Does Hospice Offer?
Hospice care provides a wide range of services to support both the patient and their loved ones
during the final stages of life, including:
● Pain and symptom management: Ensures comfort, helping to manage physical
symptoms. Hospice nurses may also train family members on administering medications
if the patient remains at home.
● Emotional and spiritual support: Addressing emotional needs, offering counseling and
spiritual care. Not knowing what to expect can be scary as an individual nears the end of
their life. This support can help patients come to terms with dying.
● Respite care for caregivers: Giving family members a much-needed break. Caregiving
is physically and emotionally stressful. It’s important for the caregiver(s) to consider their
own health and well-being.
● 24/7 access to medical help: Ensuring that support is available whenever it’s needed.
● Personalized care plans: The hospice doctor will work with the patient to tailor a care
plan to each patient’s wishes, needs, and values.
Myths About Hospice Care
Many people misunderstand what hospice care is truly about. Some common myths include:
● “Hospice means giving up”: Hospice isn’t about giving up—it’s about helping patients
live as fully and comfortably as possible in their final months.
● “Hospice is only for the last days”: In reality, patients may receive hospice services
for months, not just days.
● “Hospice is only for cancer patients”: Hospice care supports people with various
terminal conditions, including heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD), dementia, and more.
Emotional Support for Families
Hospice care also offers critical emotional support for families. Caregiver support groups,
counseling, and respite services help ease the emotional and physical strain of caring for a
terminally ill loved one. The hospice team works closely with caregivers to alleviate some of the
pressures, ensuring they have time for self-care.
The journey through hospice doesn’t have to be faced alone—hospice teams provide comfort
and support for both patients and families during one of life’s most challenging times.
Resources for Caregiver Support:
- Hospice of the Piedmont
Offers caregiver support groups, individual counseling, and respite care to help
caregivers cope. Phone: 336-889-8446 - AuthoraCare Collective
Provides caregiver training, support groups, and individualized counseling for families. Phone: 336-621-2500
Facing Grief
Grieving a loved one’s passing can be incredibly difficult, and the grief process doesn’t end after
hospice care. Many hospice services continue to offer bereavement support, such as grief
counseling and support groups, to help families adjust to life after their loss.
You don’t have to face this journey alone—these resources provide support and understanding
during the healing process.
Resources for Grief Support:
- Trellis Supportive Care – Greensboro
Provides grief counseling and bereavement services to help individuals cope with loss.
Phone: 336-271-3700 - Hospice of Davidson County
Offers grief support, including group counseling, individual therapy, and a remembrance
service.
Phone: 336-475-5444
Reach Out to Your Community for More Support
If you’re struggling with grief, don’t hesitate to reach out to local grief support groups or
community organizations. Connecting with others who understand your pain can help you feel
less isolated. Many communities offer additional grief resources, and participating in a support
group can provide a space to share your feelings, find comfort, and begin to heal.
A Compassionate Choice
Choosing hospice care isn’t about giving up; it’s about prioritizing your loved one’s comfort,
dignity, and quality of life. It’s a choice to focus on providing love and support during a difficult
time. If you’re considering hospice care, speak with your healthcare provider or contact a
hospice organization to explore your options and find the right support for you and your family.