FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DATED MATERIAL
Contact: Janet Neigh, Executive Director, Hospice Association of America
Phone: 202-547-7424 Email: jen@nahc.org
Washington, DC, October 30, 2003 – Hospice: Great Care At Last is the theme of this November’s National Hospice Month, marking the 20th anniversary of the the Medicare Hospice benefit in the United States, announced Val J. Halamandaris, president of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC). More than 600,000 terminally ill Americans benefit from hospice care daily.
"Caring for the dying and their families in the sanctity of their homes truly is a privilege for us," said Halamandaris. "A team of physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, aides and volunteers makes it possible for people to stay in their homes for their final moments."
Hospice was enacted as a Medicare home-delivered health care benefit in 1983. This service cares for the immediate physical and comfort needs of the patients while working steadily with families. Families supplement professional care, and they need continued support after the patient is no longer in hospice.
"Hospice makes a tremendous difference for the whole family," said Janet Neigh, Executive Director of Hospice Association of America, an affiliate of NAHC. "Caregivers handle the medical emergencies as well as the psychological crises. Employing the full range of hospice services early enough allows patients to enjoy their remaining days in comfort and helps families to gain trust, feel secure and be prepared for the end of their loved one’s life."
The National Association for Home Care & Hospice is the world’s largest advocate for home-delivered health care. It represents agencies providing classic intermittent home health as well as hospice services. For more information about hospice or to be connected with a hospice in your area, call Neigh at 202-547-7424 or go online to www.nahc.org
# # #