Honoring November as Hospice & Palliative Care Month: A Brief Journey Through the History of Hospice in the United States
November is a special month for the healthcare community and the countless individuals and families who have been touched by the compassionate care offered by hospice and palliative care services. Hospice & Palliative Care Month is a time to reflect on the remarkable history of hospice in the United States and celebrate the incredible work done by dedicated professionals in this field. This article takes you on a journey through the evolution of hospice care in the United States, highlighting the profound impact it has had on end-of-life care.
The Modern Hospice Movement's Origins
The concept of hospice care finds its roots in the teachings of Dame Cicely Saunders, a British physician who founded St. Christopher's Hospice in London in 1967. Saunders believed in providing holistic care to individuals facing the end of life, focusing not only on their physical needs but also their emotional, spiritual, and social well-being. Her ideas quickly spread to the United States, where a similar vision was taking shape.
The Early Days of Hospice in the United States
The first hospice program in the United States was established in 1974, at the Connecticut Hospice in Branford, Connecticut. Dr. Florence Wald, a visionary nurse, and her colleagues worked tirelessly to bring the hospice concept across the Atlantic and make it a reality on American soil. They combined the principles of Dame Cicely Saunders with American ingenuity and dedication to create a new approach to end-of-life care.
In 1982, the U.S. Congress passed the Medicare Hospice Benefit, which provided coverage for hospice services under the Medicare program. This was a significant milestone in the history of hospice care, as it allowed many more individuals to access this specialized form of support.
Growing Acceptance and Expansion
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the hospice movement continued to grow in the United States, with more and more hospice programs established nationwide. The emphasis on compassionate, patient-centered care at the end of life was welcomed by both healthcare professionals and the public. Hospice care was seen as a way to bring dignity, comfort, and support to individuals and their families during the challenging time of facing a terminal illness.
The Evolution of Palliative Care
While hospice care was gaining acceptance and recognition, the need for palliative care beyond the confines of hospice was also being acknowledged. Palliative care, which focuses on alleviating the suffering of individuals with serious illnesses, was seen as a vital complement to curative treatments. This led to the development of the field of palliative medicine in the late 1990s, with the goal of providing comprehensive, interdisciplinary care to individuals facing serious illnesses, not just those in hospice.
Today's Hospice and Palliative Care
Over the years, hospice and palliative care in the United States have evolved into highly specialized fields, with interdisciplinary teams that include physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers. These professionals work together to provide holistic care, addressing not only the physical symptoms of illness but also the emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.
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Hospice and palliative care programs have adapted to meet the changing needs of a diverse population, offering culturally sensitive care and addressing a broad range of illnesses beyond cancer, such as heart disease, dementia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, they have expanded their services to offer care in various settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and even at home.
The Importance of Hospice & Palliative Care Month
Hospice & Palliative Care Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable progress that has been made in end-of-life care in the United States. It also serves as a reminder of the critical importance of providing compassionate care to individuals and their families as they navigate the complex journey of a serious illness. The dedication of hospice and palliative care professionals, along with the support of policymakers, has enabled millions of Americans to experience a more comfortable and dignified end of life.
As we reflect on the history of hospice in the United States during this special month, let us also look forward to a future where even more individuals have access to high-quality end-of-life care. By supporting and recognizing the work of hospice and palliative care professionals, we can ensure that all individuals and families facing the challenges of serious illness receive the care and support they deserve.
For more information, please visit NHPCO website! This year is about having those Courageous Conversations!
November is recognized annually as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month (HAPCM), a time for providers to reach out to their local communities, engage media contacts, and recognize the valuable contributions made by staff and volunteers. While HAPCM is a brief window of time meant to spotlight the importance of hospice and palliative care, helping the public understand the benefit of this type of serious-illness care and the importance of advance care planning are goals which our community should strive for year-round.
Each year, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), establishes a theme for the month and creates outreach materials for members. The theme for HAPCM 2023 is Courageous Conversations.
In a culture that often teaches us to resist mortality and a healthcare system defined by interventionism, the seemingly simple act of having a conversation about dying can have a profound impact. What does death mean in my life? If I am faced with a terminal diagnosis, how would my values shape my end-of-life journey? How do I want my loved ones to engage with me toward the end of my life? It’s difficult to think about these questions but having these courageous conversations with ourselves, family, friends, and doctors can mean the difference between having the type of death a patient wants – one that matches up with their values and desires – and one that doesn’t allow them to have a say in their own end-of-life journey.
Throughout the month, NHPCO is encouraging everyone to have these Courageous Conversations to start a meaningful dialogue on “dying a good death.”
Please contact communications@nhpco.org with any questions.
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