[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 135 (Saturday, November 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2097]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATING NATIONAL HOMECARE AND HOSPICE MONTH

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                           HON. DEBORAH PRYCE

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 19, 2004

  Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
tremendous value homecare and hospice represents for American families. 
Homecare provides a family-friendly, clinically proven way of receiving 
quality healthcare for millions of Americans where they prefer to 
receive care--at home. November, National Homecare and Hospice Month, 
is an opportunity to recognize the importance of home care as an 
essential component of healthcare in my home state of Ohio and 
throughout the United States.
  This important segment of the health care continuum allows patients 
with medical needs to remain in their homes, including those who are 
recovering, disabled, chronically or terminally ill who need medical, 
nursing, social, or therapeutic treatment. Homecare and hospice care 
represent a family value and a value for families. It's about quality 
health care and quality of life for millions of households across the 
United States.
  Recent studies of homecare services show that homecare for selected 
conditions can shorten inpatient hospital stays, reduce the overall 
cost of care without compromising outcomes, and can improve patient and 
caregiver satisfaction.
  As the American population ages, homecare is expected to grow in the 
years ahead. Fortunately, advances in technology allow virtually every 
service short of surgery to be delivered at home. This is good news for 
our nation's seniors and their families. And it's good news for younger 
generations who will benefit from continued advancements in technology 
to further improve the quality and accessibility of homecare.
  Homecare and hospice care is an especially important option for 
people facing terminal illness. These individuals and their families 
are faced with enormous challenges in dealing with the fear that goes 
along with such a frightening diagnosis. Hospice treats the person, not 
the disease. It allows terminally ill patients and their families to 
experience the end of life together in the comfort and security of 
their homes or a home-like setting.
  While homecare and hospice care serve a critical purpose for our 
nation's elderly population, these services also provide much-needed 
care for children with lifethreatening conditions and their families. 
Today in the United States, about one million children are living with 
life-threatening conditions and a staggering 55,000 children die each 
year. In an effort to make improvements to our system that treats 
terminally ill children, I introduced H.R. 3127, the Compassionate Care 
for Children Act, in the 108th Congress. This bill will help insure 
children with life-threatening illnesses have access to the treatments 
and care that they need and deserve, including hospice, palliative and 
curative care.
  In honor of patients, their families, and caregivers in Ohio and 
throughout the United States, I join my colleagues in celebrating 
National Homecare and Hospice Month.

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