When Was Hospice Founded?
In the realm of healthcare, the concept of hospice care stands as a beacon of compassion and support for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses. To understand the genesis of hospice care is to delve into a history steeped in humanity and empathy. So, when was hospice founded? The roots of hospice care trace back to ancient civilizations, where hospitality and care for the sick and dying were considered sacred duties. However, the modern concept of hospice as we know it today began to take shape in the 20th century. It was Dame Cicely Saunders, a British physician, who pioneered the modern hospice movement. In 1967, Dame Cicely Saunders founded St. Christopher’s Hospice in London, England, which marked a pivotal moment in the history of hospice care . St. Christopher’s Hospice was the first facility to combine pain management, symptom control, and holistic support for terminally ill patients, focusing on improving their quality of life rather than solely prolonging it through a...