The life of every person is different. And sometimes you have to understand things that, of course, it is better to never hear from anyone. Today we’ll talk about a concept such as hospice: what it is and why such institutions are needed.
History
The word "hospice" itself is of Latin origin and in its purest form means "guest", "stranger." Derived from it - "hospital" - translates as hospitable, friendly. In the 19th century, certain transformations took place in the Latin equivalent of the word, and as a result, in the English version, it began to be interpreted as an almshouse, a shelter. Initially, hospices were accepted by wanderers, as well as those who had nowhere to stay for the night. These establishments were located along the roads and provided assistance to everyone who needed it (even local residents). It is worth noting that initially this concept was in no way associated with death, but somewhat later in these houses they began to contain mainly mentally ill people who died there too. This is a brief history of the emergence of the modern word “hospice”. What is it today - consider below.
About the concept
Now it is very important to determine the concept itself in order to fully understand what is at stake. So, the hospice. What it is? Speaking in scientific language, this is a medical and social institution where they provide free (!) Necessary assistance (medical, legal, psychological, etc.) to terminally ill patients. Simply put, this is a place where terminally ill people live and they are given all possible assistance in order to somehow alleviate pain and suffering. It is noteworthy that in these institutions with the patient relatives may be home 24 hours a day throughout the patient's stay there.
Basic Services
Understanding the concept of “hospice” (what it is and what services these institutions provide), it is worth noting that such institutions are widely functional and most often try to help as much as possible not only the patient, but also his family, which, by the way, is not at all easier than a sick person. They provide any medical assistance (mainly anesthesia and necessary treatment with medications), legal (all kinds of consultations), psychological (work not only with a dying person, helping him more easily cope with his own condition, but also with his family) and even spiritual (they invite there clergy of any faith). In such institutions, people are constantly trained, both relatives (how to care for a sick person), and the staff who are constantly changing there. It is worth noting that the work itself in the hospice is quite difficult, and not so much from the physical as from the psychological point of view. And to get there, you need to have certain knowledge and skills.
Kinds
Today there is an adult and children's hospice. There is practically no separation according to the disease itself, only age plays a role. Children with diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis, AIDS, etc., fall into such institutions. Everyone can make a contribution and support the patients and the institution itself, but the institution has no right to accept any material gratitude from relatives of patients. It is worth noting that in recent times they even practice hospices at home, when employees of the institution come to the patient from time to time. However, this happens, unfortunately, not daily.