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The original meaning of the word "hospice" was a resting place for travelers. The hospice was a place of refuge and safety in times that were often wild and insecure.
Typically, the hospice could be found on rugged European mountain roads staffed by members of a religious order.
Today's hospice is a resting place on the journey of life. The hospice provides care for people who are very ill or are seeking to die with dignity. The modern hospice can be in a residential home, a nursing home or a hospice facility.
The hospice is not only a place of caregiving for the person dying from an illness but a place where friends and relatives come to grips with the process of dying.
The person being cared for, the caregiver and any family members and friends can cope with death in its various stages. People learn to cope with pain control, aggressive treatment and resuscitation.
Today, experts suggest writing some form of an advanced medical directive so, when a parent or loved one no longer can make personal decisions for himself or herself, someone will understand that person's wishes.
The advanced medical directive falls under two broad categories:
- Durable power of attorney for health care. This designates someone who will make care decisions when you or your loved one cannot.
- Living will. This form of a will states the person's wishes concerning medical treatment
if an illness or accident causes incurable or irreversible conditions.
On the road of life, the modern hospice offers a refuge for all who seek to die with dignity or to see their loved one pass on.
Creating the hospice environment in your home or selecting a formal hospice location will help the person be as peaceful as possible under circumstances filled with personal love and all care that is possible.
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