Making the decision to use hospice is one of the most important final decision you ll ever make. Hospice is a blessing to those who avail themselves of the service. It is also a service to help their families and loved ones. However, as wonderful as hospice and its services are, the decision to use hospice is not a simple one. It, by its very nature, is an emotionally difficult decision to make. Because of our professional and personal experience with hospice, we were called to write this book to help you. Contents Purpose of This Book -Making the decision... 1. History of Hospice-How did it all get started? 2. When Should Hospice Be Considered?-What are the indications? 3. Finding a Hospice for Your Needs-Picking the right facility... . 4. What Questions Should Be Asked?-It s important you get all the fact to be satisfied... 5. What Is the Function of Hospice?-What you have the right to expect... . 6. Home Hospice-What to expect with home hospice... . 7. Hospice Facility Care-What to expect from in patient care... 8. The Hospice Team-Some of the most remarkable people you ll ever meet... 9. Hospice Care for the Patient - It s all about the patient... 10. Hospice Care for the Family -Family, friends and loved ones will find support too... 11. Hospice Care for Children -Care and support for the child patient or the child survivor of a dying parent... 12. Being a Caregiver-One of the hardest jobs you ll ever have... 13. After It s Over-No matter how prepared you are, you re never ready... 14. Bereavement-Grief is a difficult job you mustn t avoid it... 15. Facing Life- After the grief has been worked through engage in the renewed life your loved one would want you to live...