Mission Statement
The mission of University Hospice is to meet the needs of dying patients, their families and loved ones, by providing comprehensive palliative care focusing on physical, social, emotional, and spiritual support. Hospice care is provided in the home, the nursing facility or, when appropriate, the hospital setting.

Philosophy

University Hospice recognizes dying as a natural, inevitable process when curative therapy is no longer effective. We seek neither to hasten nor prolong the dying process. We believe that palliative care and sensitivity to individual needs will allow dying patients to have full and rewarding lives until death. Hospice recognizes that our patients may have concerned family and friends who are affected by the patient's illness and death. We include these people in planning our services as resources for the dying patient. We support family and friends during the patient's illness and assist them after the patient's death through the bereavement program.

Goals
The goals of University Hospice in serving dying patients, their families and loved ones are to:

• Exceed patient/family expectations by providing the highest standards of care.
• Respect the dignity of persons and enhance the quality of life.
• Relieve pain, anxiety, discomfort and other disturbing symptoms.
• Plan care with patients along with their families and loved ones.
• Assist the patient in meeting individual goals.
• Help the patient and family develop effective coping mechanisms.
• Provide an atmosphere of comfort and compassion while helping patients, their families and loved ones deal with the emotional impact of death.

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