Hospice: It's All About Living-- Diana Cazier Shares

Diana Cazier

                When faced with the diagnosis of a terminal illness we often feel as if everything has been taken out of our control.  With so many decisions facing us as well as the stresses of knowing a life is coming to an end we need to feel that we have some handle on what is happening to us.   Research conducted by the National Hospice Foundation show that the top concerns of Americans for loved ones that have less than six months to live are:

• Make sure that the wishes of the person are honored.
• That they have some choice in the types of services they can receive.
• Pain control is tailored to the patient’s wishes, and
• Emotional support is available for the patient and the family.

            Hospice care can give us the means to take control of what is happening, we can be a part of the team.  Supported by the employees and volunteers of the Hospice organization, the primary caregiver in the home is the key team member.  This person may be a family member or a friend but will be the person responsible for round-the-clock care of the patient.  The Hospice organization will give training and support to the primary caregiver and others involved in the care of the patient. 

            Care begins when the patient is admitted to the program.   A Hospice team member visits the home to learn about the situation and needs of both the family and the patient.  Return visits are set up so that the needs of both the patient and primary caregivers can be re-evaluated regularly. To handle around-the-clock patient needs or crises, Home Hospice programs have an on-call nurse who answers phone calls day and night, makes home visits, or sends a team member that may be needed between scheduled visits. Medicare-certified Hospices must provide nursing, pharmacy, and doctor services around the clock.  The Hospice team is specially trained to provide medical assistance and to deal with the loneliness and fears experienced by both the patient and his or her loved ones.  

            The Hospice team works with the patient and primary caregiver to develop a personalized care plan. The team respects patient wishes and helps to foster communication amongst family members.   Through working with this team of experts we can not only have the control over the care of our loved one but can control how involved we want to be in that care. Hospice organizations have a wealth of resources available to help us through this difficult time.

            I was recently visiting with a man who had Hospice in his home to care for his wife as she was dying of cancer.  He told me that the hospice workers made all the difference in how well he handled the experience.  He spoke of the support they were for him and how much he appreciated having someone to call when he needed someone who understood what he was going though.  He was especially appreciative of the continuing support he received after her death.  He felt that Hospice gave him the opportunity to focus on what was truly important; enjoying what time he had remaining with his wife and knowing that she was receiving the best care possible.