November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time to raise awareness about hospice care, celebrate the compassionate hospice professionals, and honor those who are receiving or have received hospice services.
In 1978 President Jimmy Carter signed a White House proclamation recognizing November as National Hospice Month, just four years after the first hospice program in the U.S. was established. At the time, the idea of focusing on comfort and quality of life instead of curative treatment was still fairly new. President Carter’s proclamation helped to raise awareness and validate the important work hospice caregivers were doing.
Hospice care is often underutilized due to myths and misunderstandings. Most people associate hospice with death, when in fact, its focus is on helping patients live their remaining time as fully and comfortably as possible.
Hospice care plans are personalized around the patient’s choices and what matters most to them and their loved ones. Developed by the primary physician and hospice team, these plans are based on the patient’s goals. With 24/7 support from the hospice team, patients can often avoid unnecessary re-hospitalizations and trips to the emergency room. Hospice also supports the patient’s family and friends through education, guidance, and bereavement services that focus on physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Did you know?
- Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance plans.
- You can continue seeing your primary care physician while receiving hospice care. Our medical director works hand in hand with them to continue to your care.
- Hospice does not automatically discontinue your medications. You can continue medications if you choose, and hospice will work with you, your physician, and your pharmacy to ensure your care plan is safe.
- Hospice services may include physical, speech, and occupational therapy, as well as dietary assistance when clinically indicated.
Your Sivitz Hospice team includes our medical director, nurses, hospice aides, medical social worker, spiritual counselors (including a Rabbi and Pastor), volunteers, and bereavement counselors.
Please call Stacey Tabanli, RN to discuss hospice care and eligibility 24/7 at 412-422-5700.
– Stacey Tabanli, RN
Director of Professional Services, Sivitz Hospice & Palliative Care