Hospice care has deep historical roots that date back to the early 11th century. Initially, individuals during the final stages of life were often cared for in their homes, with the concept of hospice being intrinsically linked to home care. The term “hospice” itself traces back to medieval times when the Knights Hospitaller of St. John of Jerusalem established the first hospice in Rhodes in the early 14th century to provide care for travelers, as well as the ill and dying. This medieval understanding of hospice was primarily focused on providing a refuge and basic care.
The modern hospice movement, however, is attributed to the work of Dame Cicely Saunders, a British nurse, social worker, and physician who founded St. Christopher’s Hospice in London in 1967. This establishment marked the first modern hospice dedicated to caring for terminally ill patients in the United Kingdom, and it emphasized a holistic approach, addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients. Dame Saunders’s work significantly shifted the focus from the disease to the patient’s quality of life. Her impact was such that she is recognized as the founder of modern hospice care.
In contrast to the comprehensive care offered in modern hospices, facilities in the 18th and 19th centuries provided limited care, focusing more on diseases than on the patient’s overall well-being. This approach continued until the mid-20th century when Saunders’s vision brought about a paradigm shift.
The United States saw the establishment of its first hospice in Connecticut in 1974. The development of hospice care in the U.S. was initially slow, partly due to the lack of federal funding coverage for hospice-related expenses. It was not until 1982 that significant legislation passed, allowing Medicare to begin covering hospice services. This legislative change, coupled with the efforts of individuals like Florence Wald, known as the mother of the American hospice movement, greatly expanded the reach and acceptance of hospice care in the United States.
From its early medieval origins to the present day, hospice care has evolved significantly, moving towards a compassionate and patient-centered approach to end-of-life care. This historical trajectory highlights not only the changes in medical practices and societal attitudes towards death and dying but also the persistent human desire to provide comfort and dignity to those in their final stages of life.
To learn more about hospice and how it benefits our community, please give Aspire Hospice a call at 801-292-2096
