Hospice is not a place;
it’s a concept about the quality of life as
it nears its end for the patients and their families
and friends. Even when medicine cannot provide a cure,
it can offer comfort, care and assistance that can help
maintain a better quality of life for the patient. This
type of attention, called palliative care, involves the
aggressive treatment of physical and emotional pain and
symptoms. It focuses on enhancing a patient’s
comfort and improving quality of life.
Hospice is based on
the belief that through sensitive, appropriate care and
the support of a caring community, terminally ill
patients and their families can begin to prepare to
face the inevitable challenges ahead. Centuries ago, a
hospice was a shelter for travelers. Over the years, it
evolved into a refuge where people could find care,
comfort and support during difficult times in their
journey through life.
When a patient's
physician certifies that hospice care is appropriate,
one of Odyssey HealthCare's nurses will admit the
patient to our program within three hours - 24 hours a
day, seven days a week.
The nurse and an
Odyssey physician, who specialize in understanding and
treating pain, will develop a plan of care to ease the
discomforting symptoms of the patient’s
condition.
Under
Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance programs, Odyssey
will provide medical supplies and equipment associated
with the terminal illness, such as bandages, catheters,
oxygen, hospital bed, wheelchair and walkers, at no
cost to the patient. Odyssey will also provide
medications associated with the terminal illness to
help relieve symptoms at no cost to the
patient.