Hospice Services

HOSPICES: An agency that provides care to terminally ill persons who have a life expectancy of 6-12 months. This care can be provided in the person's home or in another setting (e.g., nursing home, community based residential facility, etc.).

Hospice Care is a special way of caring for people with terminal illnesses and their families after the patient, physician and family decide that aggressive curative treatment is no longer appropriate. Hospice Care provides many benefits that aren't possible in a traditional health-care setting. An important part of this is an openness to and an understanding of the patient's and family's values and beliefs while trying to understand the dying process as a natural part of the life cycle.

Hospice is a coming together with family and friends, focusing on the unique needs of the patient. Family and friends have greater control for their loved ones.

They are able to focus on pain control without impairing alertness. They assist people in living life to the fullest or as long as they are able to take part in activities they enjoy.

Families are able to care for their loved ones at home if they wish. Care at home can help patients and families draw closer and enrich their lives. It can also help relatives and friends become less frightened about death. Treating patients and loved ones as a unit when someone has a terminal illness, his or her loved ones feel pain, too. Hospice programs also provide relief to caregivers, who may neglect their own needs. It's just not possible for one person to meet all of the needs of a seriously ill person. So, hospice uses a team approach. Many people with many different skills work together for the good of the patient and the family. Family and friends learn care techniques to provide special care such as:

This can be hard work, but it has its rewards.

Help is always available 24 hours a day. A member of the hospice team will come to the patient's home as needed.

Care at home can help patients and families draw closer and enrich their lives. It can also help relatives and friends become less frightened about death.
Special attention is given to physical, social, emotional, spiritual
Hospice treats the whole person. A terminal illness can cause many reactions, including:

Hospice strives to meet all of the patient's needs- physical, emotional, social and spiritual, as well as the needs of the family.

Hospice service providers are decided by the patient's residential location.
Here is some information on local hospice organizations:

Hope Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.
877-375-0919

Northwest Wisconsin Home Care
866-255-1803

St. Joseph's Home Hospice
800-726-3485

Flambeau Home Health & Hospice
800-206-3922
715-339-4371

American Hospice Foundation
2120 L Street, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20037
800-347-1413

National Hospice Organization
1901 North Moore St.
Suite 901
Arlington, VA 22209

1-800-658-8898
1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)