What Is Hospice?

Hospice aims to provide comfort and improve quality of life for those in the final stages of their journey. Hospice care can also help friends and family cope with a loved one’s illness and provide support after their death.

HOSPICE CARE

Hospice care is a medical service for people with a serious illness who choose to no longer receive treatments intended to cure or control that illness. People may choose to enroll in hospice if the proposed treatment is unlikely to be effective or if continuing it has become too burdensome.

While most hospice providers focus mainly on basic patient care, the inter-disciplinary team of specialists at Villa Marie Claire go further by also providing coordinated psychosocial and spiritual support for patients and their families, actively providing bereavement assistance

BENEFITS OF CARE

Studies have shown that patients enrolled in hospice care are more likely to have improved symptom and pain management, as well as lower rates of prolonged emotional distress among surviving family members.

For many groups of terminally ill patients, those who opt for hospice care tend to live longer than similarly ill patients who continue treatment. Hospice patients are also less likely to undergo unnecessary or unwanted tests and medications.

WHEN TO START

Anyone with a serious illness who doctors believe has a short time to live — generally 6 months or less — likely qualifies for hospice care.

Despite its benefits, many people wait to receive hospice care until their final weeks or days of life. Starting hospice early may provide months of pain and symptom relief, and quality time with family and friends.

It is recommended to include hospice care in advance care planning to ensure that end-of-life care aligns with patients' wishes, leading to greater satisfaction. Most Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance plans, HMOs, and other managed care organizations cover it.

VILLA MARIE CLAIRE

Villa Marie Claire stands as a beacon of comfort and tranquility—a sanctuary where patients and their families can embrace the final stage of life with dignity, peace, and love.

Our comprehensive care model ensures that every patient and family need is addressed appropriately and with sensitivity.
Book a Tour
“Our belief is that hospice care should extend far beyond medical care to include social, emotional, and spiritual support throughout every stage of this important journey.”
— Patrick Maron
Administrative Director

Explore Villa Marie Claire

Book a Tour