Hospice: what is it, and what kind of services are provided by such institutions?

Every person's life develops in different ways. And sometimes you have to understand things, which, of course, it is better never to hear anyone. Today we will talk about such a concept as hospice: what it is and why such institutions are needed.

History

The very word "hospice" is of Latin origin and in its pure form means "guest", "stranger". Derivative from it - "hospice" - is translated as hospitable, friendly. In the 19th century, certain transformations took place in the Latin equivalent of the word, and in the end, in the English version, it began to be treated as an almshouse, shelter. Initially, the hospices were accepted by people-strangers, as well as those who had nowhere to stay for the night. These establishments were located along the roads and provided assistance to all who needed it (even local residents). It should be noted that initially this concept was not associated with death in any way, but later in such houses began to contain mostly mentally ill people who died there. This is the brief history of the emergence of the modern word "hospice". What is it today - we will consider below.

About the concept

Now it is very important to define the concept itself in order to fully understand what is at stake. So, the hospice. What it is? Speaking in scientific terms, this is a medical and social institution, where they provide free medical help (medical, legal, psychological, etc.) to an incurable patient free of charge (!). To put it more simply, this is a place where deadly sick people live and they are provided with all possible help to at least somehow alleviate the pain and suffering. It is noteworthy that in these institutions with the patient there can be relatives 24 hours a day during the entire stay of the patient there.

Basic services

Understanding the concept of "hospice" (what this is and what services these institutions provide), it is worth noting that such institutions are widely used and most often try to help as much as possible not only the patient, but also his family, which, incidentally, is not at all easier , Than to the sick person. There they render any medical help (mainly anesthesia and necessary medication treatment), legal (all kinds of consultations), psychological (they work not only with a dying person, helping him to cope better with his own condition, but with his family) and even spiritual (they invite him Priests of any faith). In such institutions, people are constantly trained as relatives (how to care for a sick person), and the staff that is constantly changing there. It should be noted that the work itself in the hospice is quite severe, not so much from the physical as from the psychological point of view. And to get there, you need to have some knowledge and skills.

Kinds

To date, there is an adult and children's hospice. There is practically no division into the disease itself, only age plays a role. Children with such diseases as cancer, tuberculosis, AIDS, etc. are falling into such institutions. All those who wish can make a feasible contribution and support the patients and the institution itself, but the institution does not have any financial gratitude to accept any material gratitude from the relatives of the patients. It is worth noting that recently even practiced hospices at home, when the sick from time to time come to the workers of the institution. However, this happens, unfortunately, not every day.