Medically reviewed by
Dr. Ryan Fuchs & Dr. Robin Fuchs
McLeod Hospice & Palliative Care

Hospice care harkens back to the 1970s – but like many things over the past 50 years, today’s hospice care has evolved and changed dramatically.

“We focus on helping our patients have as many good days as possible for however long they have,” says Dr. Ryan Fuchs of McLeod Hospice & Palliative Care. “The hospice team includes a group of physicians, social workers, chaplains, nurses and nurse’s aides – all working to keep the patient as comfortable as possible.”

“Americans are living longer due to medical advances,” says Dr. Robin Fuchs of McLeod Hospice & Palliative Care. “These breakthroughs are also contributing to the increase in years that seniors are living with chronic or terminal conditions. And with 73 million baby boomers, born 1946-1964, more and more people and their families are recognizing the need for Hospice.”

WHO NEEDS HOSPICE?
Many people think that hospice is about cancer patients. And that is true. However, it also can be people with a number of other serious diseases, such as heart failure, chronic lung disease and kidney failure, as well as brain disorders, such as dementia, strokes, Parkinson’s or Huntington’s.

WHAT DOES HOSPICE OFFER?
The primary mission of hospice is to relieve physical symptoms, such as pain, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and restlessness. It also includes dealing with the emotional and spiritual issues of the patient and their family, because hospice services support the patient’s entire family from the minute that patient enrolls and, even, after the patient passes away.

“If the patient is in their home, we do our best to manage any issues that patient may have in their home, making it comforting with less medical equipment,” says Dr. Ryan Fuchs.

“Hospice tries to help patients live with their illness while maintaining the highest quality of life for as long as possible, says Dr. Robin Fuchs.

For more information about hospice, click here.