Quality of life for advanced stages of illness
Hospice is a care option for a patient with a terminal illness when all treatment options have been exhausted and a physical cure is no longer possible.
More than 90 percent of people in the final stages of a terminal disease, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, advanced cardiac, or neurological disorders, choose to stay at home in familiar surroundings, with their family, friends, pets, and comfortable routine.
Hospice provides a team of compassionate professionals who address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their loved ones.
Hospice Care vs. Palliative Care
While the intent of both hospice and palliative care of a patient is pain and symptom relief, the prognosis and goals of care tend to be different between these care options.
Hospice is comfort care without an intent to cure a patient.
Palliative care is comfort care that provides relief from the symptoms and physical and mental stress of a serious or life-limiting illness. Palliative care can be pursued at diagnosis, during curative treatment and follow-up, and at the end of life.
How We Can Help
When appropriate, WellSpan care teams can provide patients and caregivers with various hospice options that are available in their local communities.
For patients in Lebanon County, one option for hospice services is WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospice.
