1. What you should know about hospice care By: Elizabeth Stimatz

2.  The practice of hospice can be traced back to early Greek and Romans  The modern hospice was founded by Doctor Cicely Saunders in London 1967  Hospices came to the U.S. in 1974  Today there are more than 4,000 hospice providers in the U.S.  Over 150 hospices in Utah History of hospice

3.  Compassionate, family-centered care for the terminally ill  Concentrates on making patients pain free and comfortable  We believe quality of life to be as important as length of life  It’s a choice about the kind of care you receive towards the end of life  Patient (and family) choose comfort care over curative care  Focus on physical, emotional, and spiritual needs What is hospice?

4. Hospice coverage is widely available: Covered 100% by Medicare nation wide Covered by Medicaid in 42 states- including Utah Covered by most private insurances Who pays for hospice?

5.  Medical Director  Registered Nurses  Licensed Practical Nurses  Social Workers  Certified Nursing Assistants  Non-denominational Chaplains  Music Thanatologist  Volunteers The hospice care team

6.  During a life-limiting illness, it’s appropriate to discuss all patient care options, including hospice services  When person is “declining”  A doctor must be willing to say, “I wouldn’t be surprised if this person dies in the next 6 months” When is care initiated?

7.  Assisted Living facilities  Independent Living facilities  Skilled nursing facilities  Homes  Senior apartments Where is care provided?