A hospice today means a set up where facilities are made available for looking after the special needs of patients who are very old disabled, or are terminally ill. A regular hospital provides all medical care and specialized services. Living with the family, physical, emotional, and spiritual requirements of the patient are satisfactorily met. Where such facilities are not available at home and the needed support and care are provided by hospitals.
A hospice normally comprises a doctor, nursing staff, social work volunteers, and trained paramedics like physio-therapists, speech therapists and so on. These hospice facilities can be made available as follows-
a) As a semi-independent set up of an established hospital.
b) As an independent service provider set up for this purpose.
c) At home where trained staff and volunteers look after different aspects of the medical, physical, emotional and spiritual counseling requirements of the patient.
Considering the age and physical state of the patient, it would be ideal if the facility be provided at the patient’s home, taking help of his/her family members as well. Living comforts, familiar surroundings, and routine lead to absence of tension and stress. Should the medical state so demand, the patient can at a later stage be shifted to another hospice.
In deciding whether to plan a hospice at family’s home or to go in for an independent hospice or as a part of a regular hospital, we have to consider the following-
a) The emotional trauma of leaving home and entering a hospice should be tackled with love and care. The dignity and emotions of the patient should be given proper respect.
b) The state of the health of the patient, i.e. whether he/she requires round the clock medical supervision or he/she just needs general assistance.
c) The cost factor. Naturally, the first option of establishing the set up at home would be the cheapest and living in an established hospice of a well known chain of hospitals would be the costliest.
It is prudent for the family of a potential patient to plan ahead so that requisite help is available in times of need. Frail health and old age come to every one and advanced planning; keeping in mind, the various factors mentioned above would minimize the difficulties to be faced. |
