The German Hospice Day 2024

'Hospice' comes from the Latin and means something like 'hospitality' or 'hostel' - which is exactly what it offers: a temporary home. Originally known as accommodation for pilgrims, the first inpatient hospice for the dying was opened in London in 1967. Almost 20 years later, in 1986, the first inpatient hospice was opened in Germany, in Aachen. Today, there are around 260 inpatient hospices for adults and 21 for children, adolescents and young adults across Germany.
The hospice concept is based on the conviction that dying is part of life and that people of all ages need care and support in the last phase of their lives. The hospice offers the right setting for this. The nursing staff look after both the dying people and their relatives and accompany them on this difficult journey. Their work requires a great deal of sensitivity and empathy, but also brings back great gratitude and fulfillment. Manuela Füller, Director of Diakoneo, project partner of Bayern Innovativ Gesundheit, describes the special role of caregivers in hospice work: "The 'H' in 'Hospiz' stands for 'Herzensangelegenheit' (matter of the heart) for the inpatient hospice in Schwäbisch Hall. It is essential that everyone makes this task their own and fulfills it with love. Diversity is also important, because every person is different and this is also reflected in the care they receive. It is important to consciously promote this diversity."

The carers want to make the hospice guests' stay as pleasant and carefree as possible. This includes taking care of themselves, keeping their distance and attending regular training and further education courses. Füller emphasizes: "Above all, the protection of hospice guests, carers and relatives is of great importance, and any problems and issues that arise should be dealt with carefully. After all, it is not only the relatives who say goodbye, this process can also be felt in the hospice. The people who work in this area make it possible for people to live in solidarity with one another until the end of life. They provide qualified support, often in difficult life and illness situations. Above all, they need time and support for reflection." For relatives in particular, time spent in a hospice can also be a time-out and a great help in everyday life, where they can let go of their worries and enjoy moments of peace - knowing that the dying person is in good hands, in a place where they will receive the best possible support.
As in other areas, the care sector is also dependent on further developments and technical support. This ranges from digital innovations to mobile sensors and modern equipment. The areas of application are diverse: documentation systems on mobile devices for care staff, fall detection based on artificial intelligence or 3D-printed, personalized orthoses make the everyday lives of hospice guests and staff much easier. One example: "We decided to install stand-up beds in our facility. Although these beds cost four times as much as a conventional care bed, they allow patients to move into different sitting positions independently and with less pain - without any help from staff. This allows patients to regain a degree of independence and not have to wait in pain until someone comes to help," explains Füller. Such innovations are important, but also very costly. Although 95% of the costs of a hospice are covered by statutory health insurance, the hospices are dependent on donations for the remaining 5%. As a result, care innovations often have to take a back seat to funding or more cost-effective solutions have to be found to improve the lives of the dying.

Care, support and relief - these are the three key things that hospice guests need on their final journey through life. Things that they receive for life, as Füller explains: "A hospice is not primarily a place to die, but above all a place to live, where saying goodbye is part of the journey through life. Our motto is to make space for life from person to person, no matter where life is."
The German Hospice Day on 14 October 2024 has the motto "Diversity" and emphasizes the importance of hospice work. The Health Innovation Network of Bayern Innovativ GmbH supports this and would also like to encourage the promotion of diversity in care innovation. Hospice work is an attitude, a promise by the community not to leave the dying and their relatives alone on their final journey. Together we can make a contribution and stand up for those who need support.