Peace Health Hospice Southwest Washington...(excerpts)  360-696-5100 for more information.

What is hospice? Hospice is comfort care at the end of life. Hospice care is provided when a doctor says that a patient has six months or less to live. In addition, the patient has to be ineligible for or no longer receiving curative or aggressive treatment.

With hospice philosophy the focus changes from curing illness to managing symptoms, with a primary goal of comfort. Hospice is holistic care, addressing all aspects of a patient's needs: physical, emotional and spiritual.

Hospice also provides support to family members caring for their loved one...before, during and after the dying process. Our hospice team may include: Registered Nurse (1-3 visits a week); Hospice Aides to help with bathing (2 visits a week); Medical Social Workers to provide emotional support and assist with accessing community resources; Chaplain services if desired; Specially trained Hospice Volunteers. 

Home Hospice Care takes place wherever a patient lives: in a private home, in an adult foster home, assisted living facility or nursing facility. 

Our inpatient facility, the Ray Hickey House, is an option for patients with acute or respite care needs. 

Hospice Volunteers receive training and ongoing support. Veterans are especially welcome to volunteer. (end of excerpt from Hospice SW).

PeaceHealth Statement of Common Values  
PeaceHealth is a Catholic health system, founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace in 1890, owned and operated by PeaceHealth. The PeaceHealth Board of Directors serves as the sponsor of this ministry, which serves communities in Alaska, Washington, and Oregon.

PeaceHealth believes that life and death are part of a sacred journey. We provide medical, spiritual and emotional support to those who are dying. Palliative care, including effective pain management, is critical in the care of the dying. We are committed to providing a full range of palliative care services.

Any act done with the explicit intent of ending a patient's life may not be performed in PeaceHealth owned or leased facilities. A patient's decision to refrain from aggressive or curative treatment will be respected, even when such a decision may result in the person's death. Medicines capable of relieving pain and suffering may be given to a person even if such therapy may indirectly shorten the person's life.

Other ethical resources for end of life care

Physicians for Compassionate Care, based in the Northwest, advocates and educates nationally and internationally.