With Hospice and Palliative Care Month upon us, I think it’s a great time to remember that death and grief are some of the few things that ALL of us have in common. Regardless of age, race, gender, ethnicity, geographical location, political affiliation. We all have to experience or deal with death and grief at some point. Why don’t we talk about or plan for it more?
In the overall timeline of medicine, hospice care still seems fairly new to a lot of people, especially in the US. I think this is why there are so many myths, misconceptions and misunderstandings. I’ve been in this specialty for more than 8 years now and am finding that most people don’t understand exactly what it is that we do (or in some cases, don’t do).
Just last week, I had a family friend call and ask to pick my brain about the care of her terminally-ill family member.
Of course I would, anytime! I told her. She described the situation and said, “So they can just come to hospice until they die, right?”
No.
The physical buildings that we call our Hospice inpatient centers, act as ‘hospitals for hospice patients.’ They are for uncontrolled symptoms and short-term stays. Most hospice patients reside in their own homes, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities - wherever they call home.
Individuals enrolled in the hospice program get weekly (or more) visits from their nurse case manager and have the option to visit with professionals from other disciplines such as social workers, chaplains/spiritual caregivers, hospice aides, different types of therapists and compassionate volunteers. The focus is on whatever brings them the most quality of life for however long that may be, and to assist in controlling any and all symptoms that may arise.
We are always happy to explain any part of our robust program, and we really encourage people to reach out or attend any of our educational programs PRIOR to facing the loss of a loved one. It is so difficult to process information amidst a crisis, and knowledge is power!