Insights
the blog of Porter HillsNovember is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month
Sara Lowe
Executive Director
Emmanuel Hospice
Click here to watch the WZZM13 Senior Wellness Segment on this topic.
Each November we make the transition from Back to School and Halloween to Thanksgiving and Holiday preparation. Did you know that November is also National Hospice and Palliative Care Month?
A common misconception about hospice is that hospice comes in when there is nothing more that can be done. Hospice is much more than that.
Hospice as a Treatment Option
Although this is not the common understanding, Hospice is a viable treatment option that aggressively treats distressing symptoms with the goal of providing the highest quality of life possible. Hospice is not giving up hope-it is changing the hope. Treatment is provided by a skilled compassionate team of professionals including a Hospice Physician, Nurse, Home Health Aide, Social Worker, Spiritual Care Counselor, Volunteer, Grief Support Counselor, Music Therapist and Massage Therapist and is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances.
Comprehensive Care
In addition to access to an interdisciplinary team, hospice coordinates medications, medical equipment, and any necessary supplies. This provides individuals with the best quality of life possible focusing on full, purposeful and enriched lives throughout their entire time with Hospice. All care is coordinated with the Primary Care Physician chosen by the patient and their family.
Care Provided Where You Are
A Gallup study showed that 9 in 10 adults want to die at home. Hospice is a philosophy of care-not a place. We will come to you wherever it is you call home; a personal residence, a child’s home, an apartment, condo, a retirement community, etc. If spending the rest of your life in your home is important to you, your hospice team will work diligently with you and your caregivers to make that possible.
When is Hospice as a Treatment Option Available?
Many people think that hospice is only for people with cancer or for people who are in the final days of their lives. However, more than 50% of those cared for last year had a condition other than cancer. Hospice is best utilized over several weeks or months. This gives the patient the opportunity to know and trust the care team and take advantage of all the creative ways that hospice helps you live. Hospice is for individuals with serious and terminal conditions who are not seeking curative treatments. If you have a serious illness that is not curable, it is never too soon to get more information about this specialized form of treatment. You will then be able to make an informed decision when hospice may be appropriate for you or your loved one.
How Do You Access Hospice?
It is always a good idea to discuss hospice as a treatment option with your physician. You can also contact hospice and ask to set up an informational or evaluation assessment. You have choice and options about who delivers your hospice care. It is important that you feel that the organization is a good fit for all of those involved.
For more information please visit our website at http://www.emmanuelhospice.org
Below are other helpful links to get more information about hospice and palliative care.
