Hospice

Wood & Co.

If you are ever faced with a terminal diagnosis for yourself or a loved one and hospice is offered, say YES. Facing the daunting news of impending death? Ask about hospice. This is a lifeline you don’t yet realize you need.

I’ve experienced this firsthand in Salt Lake City with my mother-in-law twenty years ago and recently with my husband in Indianapolis. Nurses were on site to assess patient’s current condition, history and medications within 2 hours. Thorough, kind, informative, the nurse proposed a plan of action and was collaborative with patient and family members. We had an emergency box arrive the next morning that contained meds for anxiety, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, fever, and pain meds. We were given clear directions, encouraged to call for any questions, concerns or change in loved one’s behavior. I didn’t have to get out my credit card, drive to pharmacy, spend time away or wait for prescriptions to arrive.

The team included spiritual care, social work, physical therapy, nurse assistant to assist with bathing and other hygiene care. There are hospice specific physicians, massage therapist, pharmacist, even a volunteer to sit with patient for 3-4 hours if needed. It is similar to a circus coming to town. Show up, get to work assembling the environment, and then presenting for showtime (visits). Since I was trying to maintain fulltime job, we depended on our eldest son and my siblings and spouses to help.

This added to scheduling, people in and out of the house. I imagine some of the stress and time demands would have been more manageable if this spouse or one primary caregiver was consistently on site. The parade of people, services became a challenge for our patient and the dog. The Hospice staff were phenomenal. In both experiences a hospice house was available if home care was not possible. They offered respite care where the patient could be transported for 3 days and nights to allow caregivers a break and freedom to travel. We didn’t take advantage, but it is an impressive service.

The nurses (I’m partial) were guardian angels, reassuring, knowledgeable, and compassionate. The end of their services was as organized and smooth as their arrival had been. Hospice care is available for every income level. Forty years ago, when my dad was near end of life as we cared for him at home, he needed some supplies from the local drug store. as a young nurse then I wondered about people without available cash getting basic supplies for comfort and hygiene. Hospice has all of that covered. Under pads, over-the- counter meds, tape and gauze, gloves, no rinse shampoo, prefilled syringes to flush lines, antiseptic wipes all delivered promptly.

Check out the hospice is your area. Perhaps your skill set and hospice goals are a good match. Volunteer opportunities may be available. If I ruled the world, I would use the hospice model of care for most medical services.