Hospice Is Supportive:
Hospice is supportive care for persons facing terminal illness. It is unique in several ways:The focus of hospice's medical and nursing care is on symptom management and comfort so that the patient and family can make the most of their remaining time together. Hospice recognizes that spiritual, emotional, and home maintenance concerns are affected by the terminal illness, as well as the patient's family members. This is why hospice services are provided by a team of qualified individuals. Hospice recognizes death as a normal part of life. Hospice care neither hastens death, nor seeks to prolong life. Hospice services do not end with the death of the patient; bereavement support is a part of hospice care.

Hospice Is Appropriate:
Hospice care is appropriate for persons who:live in Lafayette County and have a terminal illness, wish to have comfort-oriented, supportive care rather than life-prolonging treatment, have needs that the hospice can generally expect to meet, reside in an environment which is conducive to care of a patient.

Hospice Services Available:
The following services are available from hospice:
- Medical care from attending physician of patient's choice
- Nursing care
- Spiritual care
- Social work services
- Counseling
- Pharmacy services for medications related to the terminal illness
- Durable medical equipment
- Volunteer support
- Inpatient hospice care
- Respite care
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Assistance with light cleaning and laundry
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Dietary counseling
- Speech therapy
- Bereavement support

Hospice is Licensed: Lafayette County Hospice is licensed by the State of Wisconsin and is a certified Medicare and Medicaid provider. Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and many insurance companies and HMOs. A sliding fee scale is available for patients who do not have another payment source.

"You matter to the last moment of your life..."Dame Cicely Saunders, Founder of the First Modern Hospice. Hospice "places a special emphasis on life and on living each day as fully as possible, with the hope of making the very best of today when your tomorrows are limited." Larry Beresford, The Hospice Handbook.

For more information, vistit the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization website.