The Modern History of Hospice

The concept of hospice care (specialized care provided to the terminally ill) goes back several centuries, but it was not until the last hundred years that the modern concept of the end-of-life care that is hospice began to take its’ shape.

  Beginnings

The modern hospice movement began in the 19th century with Dr. Cicely Saunders, a physician in Britain, who is widely considered the founder of the modern hospice movement. Dr. Saunders focused on taking care of the whole patient and meeting their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs. Dr. Sanders focused on improving the quality of the patient’s life during their last days on earth. Dr. Saunders founded St. Christopher’s Hospice in London, a significant milestone in the development of hospice care. It was here that Dr. Saunders began to shape hospice care and focus on providing holistic hospice care, supporting patients through pain and symptom management and having a profound impact physcially, emotionally, and spiritually for those facing life limiting illnesses.

Hospice in the United States 

Following the establishment of the new St. Christopher’s Hospice in London, the hospice movement began to spread into various parts of the world. The concept of hospice was introduced to the United States by nurse Florence Wald who helped start Connecticut Hospice in 1974, the first hospice in the States. In 1978 the National Hospice Organization was formed with the mission of promoting hospice care across the county. The 1980s found furher growth as in 1982 Medicare began offering a hospice benefit. It would not be until 1985 that Medicaid would recognize the benefit of the important service and begin offering the hospice benefit to its’ beneficiaries. In 1987, the World Health Organization began increasing awareness through educational efforts due to the recognized lack of utilization and awareness of hospice programs was an issue that needed to be addressed though education and awareness. Hospice utilization continues to increase year after year as awareness grows and more people decide they want to take control and spend their last days comfortably at home surrounded by family. The hospice philosophy has had a profound impact on end-of-life care practices, and shifted the focus from solely curative treatments to a patient-centered approach that promotes compassion, comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

 Hospice Today

Over the years, hospice care has continued to develop and today hospice programs around the country strive to continue the tradition of caring for patient’s mind, body, and spirit. Hospice continued to expand beyond the walls of inpatinet facilities to include care delivered to whatever setting the patient calls home, allowing for compassionate care to be provided in familiar surroundings with loved ones. Hospice continues to play a vital role in promoting comfort, dignity, and support to patients and their families during this phase of life. Honor Hospice further enhances the traditional hospice benefit through our special programs that help create memories for our patients and their families. If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about hospice, please call 734-470-3901 to speak with one of our compassionate nurses or visit our contact page.

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History of hospice. (2020, July 13). NHPCO. https://www.nhpco.org/hospice-care-overview/history-of-hospice/ 

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