Hospice Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🏥
hospice
[ˈhɒspɪs ]
Definition
healthcare facility
A hospice is a type of healthcare facility that focuses on providing care for patients with terminal illnesses. The goal of hospice care is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their families, rather than seeking to cure the illness. It includes physical, emotional, and spiritual support.
Synonyms
end-of-life care, palliative care, terminal care.
Examples of usage
- She chose to spend her final days in a hospice.
- The hospice provided compassionate care to the terminally ill.
- Families often find solace in hospice support services.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- The modern hospice movement began in the 1960s, led by Dr. Cicely Saunders, who believed in holistic care for dying patients.
- Hospices historically stem from religious orders that took care of the sick and the needy.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, hospices embody a compassionate approach towards death, emphasizing dignity and comfort.
- Some indigenous cultures integrate traditional practices with hospice care, providing a unique blend of modern and historical healing methods.
Psychology
- Studies show that hospice care can decrease anxiety and depression in terminally ill patients through emotional and spiritual support.
- The environment in hospice settings aims to create peace, which can positively impact mental well-being for both patients and their families.
Current Trends
- As healthcare evolves, many hospices have begun offering more services at home, allowing patients to stay in familiar surroundings.
- The rise of telehealth services has also extended hospice care options, ensuring that patients receive support no matter where they are.
Origin of 'hospice'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'hospitium', meaning 'guesthouse', showing a long history of providing care.
- Originally, hospices were places for travelers and pilgrims offering food and shelter before evolving into care centers for the seriously ill.
The term 'hospice' originates from the Latin word 'hospitium', which means 'hospitality' or 'guesthouse'. This word itself is derived from 'hospes', meaning 'guest' or 'host'. Historically, hospices were established as places of shelter and care for travelers and pilgrims. In the 19th century, the concept evolved with the establishment of specialized care for the terminally ill, spearheaded by Dame Cicely Saunders, who founded the first modern hospice, St. Christopher's Hospice, in London in 1967. This innovation emphasized the importance of palliative care and the dignity of patients in their final stages of life. Today, hospices are recognized as essential services in healthcare, offering support not only to patients but also to their families during such a critical time.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #18,448, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 18445 debarred
- 18446 emanated
- 18447 pared
- 18448 hospice
- 18449 orthopedic
- 18450 hiss
- 18451 stepmother
- ...