By Tim Tuttle
Hospice is not a place, rather it is the manifestation of a philosophy for those nearing the end of their life. Hospice care is a specialized type of compassionate, person-centered support focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for individuals with a terminal illness. It operates on the principle that care is centered around the patient’s goals and values, and it shifts the goal from curing an illness to managing pain and emotional distress. The purpose of hospice is to provide peace and comfort for both the patient and their loved ones in his or her final days.
Hospice care is designed for people when a life-limiting illness no longer responds to curative treatments or when a patient chooses to stop those treatments. The service is generally available for those with a life expectancy of six months or less. Hospice views life and death as natural stages, prioritizing peace and personal choice. The focus shifts from curing a disease and controlling the side effects which may result from treatments, to relieving physical pain and managing difficult symptoms.
Care is provided by an interdisciplinary group of professionals who work together to support both the patient and their loved ones. They include:
- Hospice physicians and nurses, who manage clinical symptoms and pain control.
- Social workers, who help families navigate practical, financial, and emotional hurdles.
- Chaplains or spiritual advisors, who offer non-denominational spiritual support to both the patient and his or her loved ones.
- Home health aides and volunteers, who assist with daily personal hygiene, companionship, and support for primary caregivers.
Additionally, hospice provides essential medical equipment, supplies, and comfort medications delivered directly to the patient.
Hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other private insurance plans. It is generally without cost for the patient or his or her loved ones. Most hospice care takes place wherever the patient calls home – a private house, an assisted living community, a family member’s residence, or a nursing facility. Some hospice providers have short-term inpatient facilities for acute pain management crises. Hospice includes continuous bereavement and grief support for family members after a loss.
Staff at the Assisted Living Locators South Nashville can introduce you to caring and supportive hospice providers in your area.
Assisted Living Locators (ALL) South Nashville is owned by Tim Tuttle, a retired Air Force officer, the Commander of the Franklin Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a member of Franklin (Tennessee) First United Methodist Church. Tim was inspired to open ALL – South Nashville five years ago after his mother’s experience needing care after a hospitalization. Tim’s teammate, Nancy Blankinship, is a social worker with over 20 years of experience working with seniors. Nancy’s a native Middle Tennessean who personally nursed a loved one through hospice to his passing. Tim has received accolades for his presentation to Franklin First United Methodist Church’s Adult Ministry Plus program. Please contact him at if you are interested in him providing instruction to your senior ministry program.