Over the years I have had a fleeting glimpse into the help that Hospice (end of life care) has to offer. Patients who have been diagnosed with an illness or disease that is an advanced chronic disease or illness; the focus is on comfort (physically, spiritually, and emotionally). Hospice care does not have a cure component…its focus is based on making the patient as comfortable as possible by working with the patient’s team members. The team members can include their family physician, nurses, social workers, home health aides, volunteers, clergy, or bereavement counselors and family members. The people who work with Hospices around the country give of themselves willingly…but it is a compassionate giving, as it costs them emotionally as well when they form relationships with both the patients and their families.
Communities often have several Hospice services…finding one that provides the care that meets the needs of the patient and their family is important. Preparing proper medical, emotional and spiritual care during this time in a person’s life is important. If you think that someone you care about is in need of Hospice care; talk to their doctor. Place a call to the local Hospice offices to see which one will offer the type of services that is needed, for your loved one.
When a person is in need of Hospice care, they need to feel in control of some of the decisions affecting the quality of their life. They may have questions regarding treatment or pain management. They need to be treated with dignity and respect. They may need help working through grief/loss issues. The patient (or their family members) may have questions regarding spirituality and what happens after the patient passes. Hospice is a service that provides help, at a time, when most patients and family members feel lost, alone and fearful.
Finding a Hospice is not difficult. You can check here: http://www.nationalhospicefoundation.org/
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