What is hospice care and how can I access it?

Hospice care is a specialised type of care that aims to improve the quality of life of people living with a terminal illness or a life-limiting illness. Hospices can care for people from the point of receiving a terminal diagnosis through to the end of life. They make it possible for people to have a good end-of-life experience, where their preferences are met, symptoms controlled, and loved ones supported. A good death can look different to each person and it’s important that an individual’s wishes are considered in every aspect of care.

Care and services

Hospice care focuses on a person, rather than their illness, considering their physical, psychological, emotional, and social needs. In other words, it is an holistic form of care. This might look like managing their symptoms with medications, providing equipment to make home life easier, or referring to other services. Hospices can also provide support to families and those significant to the person receiving care. In some cases, hospice centers can also offer respite care, either within their facilities, or at home.

Team approach

Hospices usually have a team of health professionals to support with different aspects of care:

• Doctors and nurses can support with medications and interventions to help ease symptoms.
• Support workers can help with day-to-day needs like washing, dressing, toileting, and feeding.
• Physiotherapists and occupational therapists can offer techniques and equipment to help maintain independence e.g. A walking frame or raised toilet seat.
• Counsellors may offer talking sessions to discuss concerns and worries.
• Social workers can help with housing issues, supporting with finances, and arranging at home support.

Place of care

Some hospices provide these service within their facility, while many others offer these services in the comfort of the person’s home. Home-based care allows the person to be in a familiar and comfortable environment, while still receiving medical care, support, and guidance.

How to access

Services are usually accessed by a referral from a medical team, this could be a GP, hospital doctor or nursing teams. Some hospices accept self-referrals but may want to contact a person’s medical team to get more information.