November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month! We’re talking about the history of hospice, including medieval hospice houses, Dame Cicely Saunders, Florence Wald, and the modern hospice movement.  The rich history of hospice began in medieval times as monks and nuns of the religious orders of the time created hospice houses where travelers along the road who were ill or injured were cared for until they died. Through the founding of St. Christopher’s Hospice in London, Dame Cicely Saunders launched the modern hospice movement.  Florence Wald helped to get hospice started in the U.S along with clergy, healthcare leaders, and other community leaders.  Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross was instrumental in changing end of life care with her ground-breaking work in the stages of death and dying.  The Medicare hospice benefit was created in the mid-1960’s in the U.S., allowing hospice care coverage for those who were terminally ill.  Hospice has a rich history around the world! 

Hear more about St. Christopher’s Hospice in our interview with Joint Chief Executive Sean O’Leary:  https://theheartofhospice.libsyn.com/rediscovering-the-roots-of-modern-day-hospice-with-shaun-oleary-episode-085

Find information about the Elizabeth Kubler-Ross Foundation:  https://www.ekrfoundation.org/

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