Georgia Mountains Hospice 29th Anniversary of National Hospice Month

Georgia Mountains Hospice would like to recognize all people working to improve end-of-life care in this country. Hospice care has touched the lives of millions of Americans, truly offering comfort and compassion when it's needed most.

Yet, much remains to be done. Many Americans are unaware that support for those dealing with life limiting illnesses and their loved ones is available; they are unaware that pain and symptom control are all possible at the end of life. Too many people still are unaware that hospice care is available at little or no cost under Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans.

Hospice care is considered to be the model for quality and compassionate care for people facing a life limiting illness. At the center of hospice care is the belief that each of us has the right to die painfree and with dignity, and that our families will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so. The partnership formed between a family and hospice personnel can ensure quality care for those in need. Hospice supportive services are designed to offer information and back-up to family members so that they will be more able to care for their loved ones.

Hospice considered the gold standard for endof life care in this country uses an interdisciplinary team of health care professionals and trained volunteers to provide pain-management, symptom control, psycho-social support, and spiritual care. While a patient must have an expected prognosis of six months or less, hospice care can be provided for six months or longer, depending on the course of the illness. Many Americans do not understand this and wait unnecessarily before seeking care.

Georgia Mountains Hospice is guided by a philosophy of compassion and dignity, providing ongoing support for the patient and family in secure, familiar surroundings. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the Georgia Mountains Hospice team provides highly specialized symptom management tailored to each individual that ensures the highest quality of life possible.

Georgia Mountains Hospice is a 501©3 nonprofit agency, serving nine North Georgia counties. For questions regarding GMH or the areas we serve please contact us at 800-692-7199.