What is Hospice?

For centuries, the best standard of care was, as articulated by Dr. Edward Trudeau, a tuberculosis researcher and public health pioneer, “To cure sometimes, to relieve often, to comfort always.”

In the 1940s, however, the development
of antibiotics ushered in a golden age of medicine in which curing diseases became possible more often than “sometimes.” In fact, today, with the rapid pace of medical innovation, Trudeau’s medical manifesto has been turned on its head. Doctors today are expected to “cure always.” Relief? Comfort? Sometimes. At best.

But even now, there are times when doctors must give up, must agree that cure is no longer possible, must agree that the best possible care is to offer comfort to the patient and their family. That is where hospice comes in.

The goal of hospice is to remove as much pain and fear as possible from the dying process. When it is agreed that the patient’s condition is terminal, and that treatment will no longer prolong life, hospice offers the best care possible: care whose goal is to treat the patient’s distress, whether that distress is physical, emotional, or spiritual.

A team of doctors, nurses, counselors, social workers, and, if desired, chaplains, work with hospice patients and their families to make the patient’s remaining days more comfortable. Although therapies intended to cure are halted, if the therapy — such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy — has the effect of improving the patient’s quality of life, it will be provided. Hospice care extends even beyond the patient’s passing; it includes grief counseling for the family.

To cure is wonderful, but not always possible. To care is always wonderful, and it is also always possible.

At Tower Lodge Care Center, in Wall, NJ, we specialize in geriatric care, and are uniquely qualified to care for the needs of seniors, including their needs, and the needs of their families, at the end of life.

In addition to hospice care, Tower Lodge Care Center offers long-term care, rehabilitative care, short-term rehab, and respite care for those times when family members just need a break.

Our nursing staff is warm and caring, and we consider all of our residents to be part of our family,
a person to be treated with compassion, dedication, respect, and care for.

Check our reviews on senioradvisor.com, wellness.com, and caring.com to see why we are the best choice for your loved one.

Better yet, contact us, at 732-681-1400, or by clicking here to schedule a tour.