| [ Summary ] |
A clinic for home hospice care was initiated in the year 2000. Fifty percent of hospice care patients died within one month. “Home hospice care”, is that provided in the patients' own homes. The success or failure of hospice care may be determined by explanations provided in the first day of care. The principles of symptom palliation are basically simple to provide in safe ways. Pain control is the primary concern. The options for in-home pain control medication are limited. Full explanations of morphine administration and possible side effects are important. Initial administration of morphine is by oral means. Alternative modes of administration are important when oral means are not possible. The primary goal of in-home hospice care is a peaceful death for the patient. Patients' families are monitored after patient death. |