Is Hospice for Me?

The term "hospice" 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 eventually went on to create the first modern hospice – St. Christopher's Hospice – in a residential suburb of London., Saunders introduced the idea of specialized care for the dying to the United States during a visit to Yale University in 1963.

Hospice care is provided in the home or in freestanding centers, hospitals, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities to more than 1.65 million Americans and their families every year. These services are available to patients of all ages, religion and race with a life expectancy of six months or less that can no longer benefit from curative treatment. Hospice care is covered under Medicare, Medicaid, most private insurance plans, HMOs, and other managed care organizations.

Many people believe that hospice hastens death. In reality, hospice patients often live longer due to increased physical comfort and absence of debilitating treatments. Villa Marie Claire staff members provide symptom-relieving medical attention with compassion. They deliver care with a culturally sensitive approach and respect for all religious traditions. The team encourages participation by all members of the residents' support system to help the patient live the final chapter of life's journey with dignity and comfort in a soothing environment.