Sure, you've heard of hospice, but what does it all mean? In this article, a hospice employee and advocate shares details of why hospice plays a vital role in the lives of many.

This month, supporters of hospice are celebrating across the country. This tradition began in 1978, when President Jimmy Carter proclaimed November as National Hospice Month. This special time is an excellent opportunity to recognize hospice workers and raise community awareness of the importance of quality care at the end of life.

Hospices the world over utilize dedicated staff and volunteers for the continued provision of quality care for hospice patients. These groups and individuals appreciate the commitment of all medical professionals toward identifying those in need of the palliative care that hospice provides. They value the trust of caregivers given to hospice staff and volunteers to meet the emotional, medical, and spiritual needs of their loved ones during end-of life.

Although each year more patients and families are choosing hospice care, many Americans continue to be unaware that compassionate support for the dying is available in hospice at little or no cost through Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance.

Hospice is a concept of care, not a place to go, and is available to anyone with a physician's diagnosis of a terminal illness and a prognosis of less than six months to live. An inter-disciplinary approach to end of life care, hospice staff and volunteers provide intermittent care to support the primary care-giver and patient during the dying process. One available resource is The Community Hospices of America, whose staff is always available to assist in identifying those who are in need of and appropriate for hospice care

In recognition that some families' or individual's needs cannot be met entirely by the hospice staff and community resources, every hospice is required to establish and maintain an active volunteer program. People who volunteer with hospice are some of the most wonderfully caring and genuine people in the world. Plus, many have their own hospice stories.

What do non-medical hospice volunteers do? The answer is a varied as the wonderful people who volunteer. Many volunteers go where their talents and interests lead them. Usually they serve in their own community and set their own schedule. At CHA, volunteers say they feel that they receive much more than they give.

Consider donating some of your time with a hospice near you.

About the Author:

Libby Jones lives in Birmingham, Alabama and is the Volunteer Coordinator for Community Hospices of America. You can learn more by visiting CHAHospice.com or by calling toll free 1-888-296-6043.

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