The word “hospice” comes from the same root word which gives us “hospitality” and can be traced back to when it was first used to describe a place of shelter and rest for sick or weary travelers on their journeys. In 1967, the word was first used in reference to specialized care for the dying at St. Christopher’s Hospice in a suburb of London. Today, hospice represents the concept of humane and compassionate care provided in a variety of settings. Zion’s Way Hospice is a freestanding hospice serving Washington, Iron, Beaver, Garfield and Kane Counties.

“A hospice program provides palliative care to terminally ill patients, and supportive services to patients, their families and significant others, in both home and inpatient settings. Physical, social, spiritual and emotional care is provided during the last stages of illness, during the dying process and during bereavement by a medically directed interdisciplinary team consisting of professionals and volunteers.” (Standards of a Hospice Program of Care)