"You
matter to us
because you are you.
You
matter
to the last moment
of your life,
and we will do
all we can,
not only to
help you die peacefully,
but also to
live until you die."
Cicely Saunders, M.D.
Founder of Hospice
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When should a decision about entering a hospice program
be made-and who should make it?
At any time during a life limiting illness, it is appropriate to
discuss all of a patients care options, including hospice. By law
the decision belongs to the patient. Understandably, most people
are uncomfortable with the idea of stopping an all-out effort to
beat the disease. Hospice staff members are highly sensitive to
these concerns and always available to discuss them with the patient
and family.
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Should I wait for our physician to raise the possibility
of hospice, or should I raise it first?
The patient and family should feel free to discuss hospice care
at any time with their physician, other health care professionals,
clergy or friends.
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Can a hospice patient who shows signs of recovery be returned
to regular treatment?
Certainly. If the patients condition improves and the disease
seems to be in remission, patients can be discharged from hospice
and
return to aggressive therapy or go on about their daily life.
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Must someone be with the patient at all times?
In the early weeks of care, it’s usually not necessary
for someone to be with the patient all the time. Later, however,
since
one of the most common fears of patients is the fear of dying
alone, hospice generally recommends someone be there continuously.
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How difficult is caring for a dying loved one at home?
It’s
never easy and sometimes can be quite hard. At the end of a
long, progressive illness, nights especially can be
very long,
lonely and scary. So, hospices have staff available around
the clock to consult with the family and make night visits
if the
need arises. Hospice can also provide trained volunteers to
provide respite hours, to give family members a break.
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What is hospices success rate in battling pain?
Very high. Using some combination of medications, counseling
and therapies, most patients can be kept pain free and comfortable.
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medications prevent the patient from being able to talk or
know what’s happening?
Usually not. It is the goal of hospice to allow the patient to
be pain free but alert. By constantly consulting with the patient,
hospices have been very successful in reaching this goal.
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Pathway Hospice does not discriminate
against any person on the basis of race, color and national origin,
religion, gender, age,
sexual orientation, and/or physical or mental
disabilities or ability to pay.
© 2004 Pathway Hospice, all rights reserved. |
