History of Hospice
he term "hospice" is derived from the root of the word "hospitality," to
describe a place of shelter and rest for sick and weary travelors on long
journeys.
The hospice movement began foremost in Europe several centuries ago. In the
United States, modern hospices opened in the 1970's and since then, there has
been extraordinary growth throughout the United States -- there are more than
3,000 hospices today in the United States.
Care for a person with a life-limiting illness usually takes place where the
person lives -- either in a private home or in a care facility. Bringing death
out into the open and making sickness and loss a time of sharing and
remembrance is difficult. But those who choose hospice can find special caring
for a loved one, and the richness of sharing memories of youth, trials and
joys, a rewarding experience never to be forgotten.