What is Hospice Care?

   For as long as I can remember I thought that Hospice was a bad thing.  I don't really recall why I thought that, it just was.  Through the last 10 years I have come to know different, to know, with a surety, that Hospice Care is a blessing not only to the one receiving care but to the family and loved ones that are also involved in the process.

   

    Hospice reflects a spirit and philosophy of caring that emphasizes comfort and dignity for those in the last stage of life. We, at Freedom Home Health and Hospice, believe that it is of the utmost importance to serve our clients, and their family, with compassion, dignity and respect. Hospice Care will help patients and families navigate difficult situations, manage symptoms, reminisce together and focus on quality of life. 

    The first experience I remember involving Hospice Care was my father.  He was on he second round of lung cancer and was not going to make it through this time.  I had an amazing friend who worked for a Hospice Agency and gave me some information to pass on to my parents telling them about Hospice Care.  Before long there were nurses and aides, a Medical Director, Chaplain and Social Worker all at he ready to provide any support my father or the family would need.  They kept him comfortable in a very difficult situation and that alone made a huge difference for everyone.

   My second Hospice experience came with my Nonna.  She had Dementia and one day everything just stopped.  Hospice was called in immediately and they took care of all of the medical needs so we, the family, could focus on the time we had left with her.  How thankful I was for their care and expertise.

    Not long after Nonna passed away my friend recruited me into this wonderful health care field where I was able to share my experiences and knowledge about Hospice Care with others.  It was interesting to hear what others thought the purpose of Hospice was.  Probably the most interesting was hearing loved ones talk about the "magic pill" that Hospice workers have to make Mom or Dad pass away. I can assure you there is no "magic pill".  

   Hospice Care is a very gentle, compassionate service that medically supports the client and their family during the last stage of life while helping the client stay in their home where they are most comfortable.  It is where most people want to be when their life on Earth ends.  It is where their family feels comfortable and it fosters a quiet, dignified end to a beautiful life.