A Case Study of Hispanics and Hospice Care

The issues of death and dying that have given impetus to the hospice movement include the effect on people with terminal illnesses and their families, impending death, renewed attention to long-term care centers and other alternatives to hospitalization, the scarcity of resources, the emphasis on holistic health, and recognition of the rights of people who are dying to die with dignity. Hospice offers patients compassionate care that is focused the pain relief and symptom management so that they can die a good death. In the US, hospice is considered the gold standard of care for terminally ill patients. Yet, racial and ethnic minorities are under-represented among those who receive this type of care. The present research takes a qualitative approach to exploring factors that influence hospice care among Hispanics in a hospice care setting. It discusses structural and cultural factors that influence the care among older adults. The research reveals organizational and professional that exist.