In harmony with the hospice concept, Hospice of Kitsap County provides intensive treatment of the physical and emotional pain and symptoms. This palliative care focuses on enhancing a patient's comfort and overall quality of life and is provided in the patient's home, a nursing home, the Fred Lowthian Care Center, or wherever the patient resides. Hospice of Kitsap County services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include, but are not limited to:

• Medications, Equipment, and Supplies
• Experienced Nursing Care
• Personal Care (including bathing, feeding, and dressing)
• Assistance with Daily Living
• Complementary Therapies (see below for additional information)
• Emotional Counseling
• Chaplain (or other clergy) Support
• Social Work Services
• Financial Counseling
• Bereavement Care and Counseling
• Physical, Speech, and Occupational Therapies
• Volunteer Services and Support
• Other Services as required

What is Hospice Care?
Hospice is a concept of caring that emphasizes palliative (comfort) rather than curative treatment; quality of life rather than quantity of life. Expert medical care is given, and the most effective pain symptom relief is provided. The patient and family are all included in the care plan and emotional, spiritual and practical support are given based on the patient’s wishes and family’s needs. Hospice provides personalized services and a caring community so that patients and families can attain the necessary preparation for a death that is compassionate and dignified.

Why Hospice?
Unique physical, emotional, spiritual, social and financial needs occur during the final phases of life-limiting illness. Hospice provides experienced, skilled specialists who give needed help and support during this difficult time. The Hospice team works with the attending physician and family to develop care which meets the patient/family needs and wishes concerning treatment and lifestyle.

Who Uses Hospice Care?
Hospice serves persons of any age with any life-limiting illness. Among the illnesses our patients have had are: cancer, cardiac disease, renal disease, neurological illnesses, Lou Gehrig's disease, AIDS, cirrhosis, leukemia, and others.

When is the right time to contact Hospice?
At any time during a life-limiting illness, it's appropriate to discuss all of a patient's care options, including hospice. Admission to hospice is based on a physician's clinical judgment that hospice care would be appropriate for a patient, given the expected course of an illness. If you are thinking about calling hospice, then now is the right time. Simply call us at (360) 698-4611 to learn more about our services, or email us.