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Hospice With Grace: Reforming Care for Terminally Ill Inmates

NCJ Number
181639
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 62 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2000 Pages: 64-67
Author(s)
Margaret Ratcliff; Felicia Cohn
Date Published
February 2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses reforming care for terminally ill inmates.
Abstract
The GRACE (Guiding Responsive Action for Corrections at End of Life) Project addresses the issues associated with end-of-life care for inmates by broadening partnerships between corrections and the community. Available services vary among prison populations, but contain some consistent elements, including: (1) special visitation arrangements for friends, family and fellow inmates; (2) advance care planning; (3) pain and symptom management (with adequate formularies); (4) companionship from family, volunteers or pastoral care services; (5) bereavement services; and (6) funeral or memorial services. Program enhancements will include training and continuing education in hospice and palliative care; expanding access to the general population; developing governing bodies for the program; establishing inmate volunteer programs; collaborating with contract providers; and establishing palliative care outcome measures.