Published: November 07, 2009 05:02 pm      

National Hospice Month celebrates its 31st year

San Marcos — In 1967, the first hospice was founded in London by Cicely Saunders. She pioneered the spirit that hospices operate under today. Saunders championed the idea that there is so much more to be done.

“People matter until the last moment of their life,” Saunders proclaimed.

November marks the 31st anniversary of National Hospice Month, which began in 1978 when President Jimmy Carter signed the first National Hospice Month Proclamation.

Hospice and palliative care involve a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient's needs and wishes.

Hospice provides palliative comfort care when curative treatment is no longer the patient’s choice. Care takes place in the patient’s home or wherever the patient resides.

National Hospice Month is observed to encourage and help those caregivers who take on the challenge of caring for a terminally ill loved one.

Hospice care providers and volunteers are commended for the work they provide to hospice patients and families.

“The community commends all those who work and volunteer as hospice care providers. Their contributions bring comfort and peace to those who are terminally ill,” says Lisa Adams, Public Relations coordinator for CTMC Hospice Care. “Meeting the needs of our patients is our top priority, but without our caregivers, this would not be possible.”