What is Hospice?

The tradition of hospice as a place of comfort and respite predates medieval times. The word "hospice" stems from the Latin word "hospitium" meaning guesthouse. It was originally used to describe a place of shelter for weary and sick travelers returning from religious pilgrimages. During the 1960’s, Dr. Cicely Saunders, a British physician began the modern hospice movement by establishing St. Christopher’s Hospice near London. St. Christopher’s organized a team approach to professional care-giving and was the first program to use modern pain management techniques to compassionately care for the dying. The first hospice in the United States was established in New Haven, Connecticut in 1974.

This tradition is carried on by Klamath Hospice, Inc., in our community today. Klamath Hospice fills a very special need, not only in our community, but in the lives of those experiencing life-threatening illnesses.

Hospice is a special concept of care designed to provide comfort and support to patients and their families when a life-threatening illness no longer responds to cure-oriented treatments. Hospice care neither prolongs life nor hastens death. Hospice staff and volunteers offer a specialized knowledge of medical care, including pain management. The goal of hospice care is to improve the quality of a patient’s last days by offering comfort and dignity. Hospice care is provided by a team-oriented group of specially trained professionals, volunteers and family members. Hospice addresses all symptoms of a disease, with a special emphasis on controlling a patient’s pain and discomfort. Hospice deals with the emotional, social and spiritual impact of the disease on the patient and the patient’s family and friends. The Hospice team works in a variety of settings which include patients’ homes, Adult Foster Care Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Residential Care Facilities and nursing homes. Hospice offers a variety of bereavement and counseling services to families before and after a patient’s death.

About Klamath Hospice, Inc.

Klamath Hospice, Inc. is patient/family focused, mission driven and community owned. We are Medicare certified, accredited by the Oregon Hospice Association and licensed by the State of California.

Klamath Hospice, Inc. has been providing compassionate care for over 25 years, and we extend our hand to you as you search for support and resources. As you read about our services, you may at any time pick up the telephone and call us with questions. You are under no obligation, and your information will be kept confidential.