Hospice: a New Approach to Human

A revolutionary approach to caring for the terminally ill patient that can make the end of life a meaningful time The hospice movement, taking its name from the medieval way stations for weary pilgrims, seeks to discover and provide new, humane ways of caring for the contemporary pilgrim who is passing through life’s last station. Once an illness has been diagnosed as terminal . . . · What does the patient—as a total person—really need?· Should we isolate patients away from friends, children, grandchildren, and all their familiar surroundings?· Where can families spend time together, sharing meals in a pleasant setting?· Can a terminally ill patient be cared for at home?· How can we help children handle the death of a loved one? The last months of life can be a time of happiness for patients and their families. The hospice is dedicated to making possible something we all have a stake in: a dignified and honorable death.