All too often hospice care is not clearly understood by those that need it, or the families and caregivers of those in need. But hospice care is a very valuable service that is provided in order to care for those who may be terminally ill, their family, and their caregivers.

“Because hospice care varies in hospice care in long beach how it is administered, many people who are in need of care, are not aware of how to get it,” said Keith Weaver, Certified Social Worker and administrator at Lighthouse Hospice. “Hospice exists in order to provide physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual support in the last phases of an incurable disease.”

Hospice care is also very regulated. In fact, Utah state law limits the geographical area that a hospice care provider can provide care. Generally, during an initial consultation to determine if a patient has a need for hospice care, a care plan may be developed by physicians, nurses and social workers in order to provide the care necessary for the patient. It is through the efforts of many people that hospice care is able to provide a benefit for its patients. There are a few rules that apply to who is eligible to receive hospice care.

They include: A patient must be diagnosed with a terminal illness and have a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease runs its course. This diagnosis is made between the patients attending physician and the hospice physician. Hospice is often defined as comfort care. Hospice care is not a curative type care program. It is not a treatment intended to cure a person from their inflicted disease. It is intended to provide comfort and ease the burden of transition from the life they had in the past, to the unknown future dealing with a terminal illness. Take the time to research hospice care for you or your loved ones. It is too late to start learning about these services when you need them. Get the facts early.