Keywords

end-of-life care, hospice, palliative care, psychospiritual care, rehabilitation services, quality of life, wellness

 

Authors

  1. Pizzi, Michael A. MS, OTR/L, CHES, FAOTA
  2. Briggs, Richard PT, MA

Abstract

Occupational and physical therapy have several vital roles in hospice care: maximizing functional ability and comfort to enhance quality of life; assuring patient and caregiver safety; helping people redesign their lives and life goals; engaging people in meaningful and productive occupational endeavors; and providing support around physical, emotional, and spiritual issues at the end of life. This article will examine physical and occupational therapy referral, evaluation, goal setting, practice patterns and interventions, interdisciplinary teaming, and development of a meaningful and important practice arena for practitioners.