Hospice Workers

The hospice concept can be traced to ancient times when shelter and rest (hospitality) were provided for travelers. Home care has also been a tradition in America since the 1880s when public health nurses began traveling to patients' homes to care for the sick and comfort the dying. However, the term "hospice" was first used in 1967 to mean specialized care for dying patients when St. Christopher's Hospice in a residential suburb of London was established. The first hospice in the United States, The Connecticut Hospice, was established in 1974. Today, hospice refers to a type of compassionate care and support given to the dying patient and to the patient's family and caregivers. In 2017, there were 4,515 Medicare certified hospice programs in operation, according to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.