Currently considered the model for quality compassionate care for people facing life-limiting illness, hospice care was first introduced in the United States in the early 1960's. The term “hospice” can be traced back to medieval times when it referred to a place of shelter and rest for weary travelers (notice it shares the same linguistic root with the word “hospitality”). The term was first applied to specialized care for dying patients by physician Dame Cicely Saunders, who began her work with the terminally ill in 1948 and later founded the first modern hospice program in a residential suburb of London, England.
We counsel many people in our office who are considering hospice care, either for themselves or for a loved one, and there are many misconceptions about how it works – including concerns about where a patient can receive hospice care, how much it will cost, who can qualify to receive such care, and whether there are time limits on how long a patient can receive it. Families who are considering hospice care often feel anxious, overwhelmed, and devastated by the situation, and come to us for guidance on what to do. Our staff provides knowledgeable and experienced advice, dispelling myths and providing peace of mind to our clients in a caring and compassionate environment, whether pre-planning for an eventuality or in the moment of crisis.
If you have questions about hospice care and whether it is the right choice for you or a loved one, please call our office at 810 229-0220 to schedule an appointment. We will be happy to help guide you through the decision-making process.