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LEARN ABOUT HOSPICE
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Hospice is a comprehensive program of medical care and emotional and spiritual support available to patients facing a
life-limiting illness and their families. Emphasizing palliative care (pain relief or symptom control), hospice is provided
by an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, medical social workers, spiritual counselors, nursing assistants,
volunteers and, as necessary, dieticians and physical, occupational and speech therapists.
According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the National Association for Home Care and Hospice,
1.3 million people with life-limiting illness received care from one of the nation’s hospices in 2006 -- a 162 percent
increase over the past ten years. While general awareness of hospice has increased, with only one-third of all deaths in the
United States occurring under the care of a hospice program even more Americans and their families could benefit from the
support of hospice.
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