Hospice is a "concept of care" focusing on maximizing the quality of life for the dying, not necessarily on extending it. The program is designed to provide palliative-symptomatic care not curative. The service provides comprehensive care in the areas of physical, sociological, emotional and spiritual care of both patient and the family.

Hospice was founded on the belief that the final stages of life should be lived with the greatest degree of comfort and dignity. Hospice treats the person, not the disease. It considers the entire family, not just the patient. Its philosophy emphasizes maintaining patients in their own home or place of residence. Care is provided by an interdisciplinary team which consists of the physician, nurse, social worker, therapist, home health aide, spiritual advisor, volunteer and other health professionals.

The patient and family are involved in decision making and the individualized plan of care. Services are provided to persons who are no longer receiving curative treatment and whose life expectancy is six months or less. For admission:

• The patient's physician verifies the terminal status and provides a plan of care.
• There is a willing and able individual to accept responsibility as the patient's primary caregiver.
• The patient must not be comatose and must be expected to live longer than 24 hours.
• The patient resides in the service area of Hospice care provided by Columbus Community Hospital.

The Hospice staff will discuss the various payment options with each patient and family member. For more information, please contact 402-562-3300.