The Whole Story on
You probably know hospice provides pain relief, nursing, education, and spiritual
support to patients with end-stage Alzheimer's disease, cancer, heart disease,
kidney disease, and other terminal illnesses. Like many people, however, you might
be unaware that hospice is intended to serve patients during their final months of
life, not just their last weeks or days. Patients can end hospice care if it is no longer
needed, and re-enroll later if it is needed again.
"Hospice can do so much to enhance patients' lives and help their loved ones cope
with caregiving and emotional upheaval, but families often don't request it until
well after an individual receives a terminal diagnosis," Lawrence Hawkins, M.D.,
medical director of hospice services at Pennock Health Services. "Medicare covers
hospice for patients projected to live six months or less, but patients can receive
end-of-life services even longer with a physician's recommendation. If your family
member is a candidate, don't delay seeking it. Hospice care will help both you and
your loved one find more comfort, peace, and improved quality of life during the
time ahead."
HOMETOWN HELP
The Pennock Hospice team cares for terminally ill patients of all ages in a variety
of settings. (See "Care and Comfort Beyond the Home.") Each family's needs
are different—one patient might require pain management from registered
nurses and volunteers to sit with him or her during certain times of day, while
another might need spiritual support from a chaplain or assistance changing
bandages from a home health aide. A medical director coordinates care with each
patient's physicians.
Hospice is an underutilized resource, but it shouldn't be—it's good medicine for
body and soul.
TO LEARN HOW THE PENNOCK TEAM OF HOSPICE PROFESSIONALS CAN HELP
YOUR FAMILY THROUGH SOME OF LIFE'S MOST CHALLENGING TIMES, VISIT
WWW.PENNOCKHOSPICE.COM.
Care and Comfort Beyond
the Home
The reach of end-of-life care extends beyond private
residences. Hospice is defined by its philosophy of
care rather than a single delivery venue. Patients
can receive hospice care in a variety of settings
outside the home, including a hospital, assisted
living facility, or skilled nursing facility.
The goal of hospice is the same regardless of
location: to alleviate patients' pain, help them
enjoy the best quality of life possible, and
support their families. The hospice team can
also coordinate with staff at assisted living and
skilled nursing facilities to educate families
about meeting patients' needs and comfort
them in times of loss.
11
H EALTH Y G EN ER ATI ON S
One of the most
caring actions
you can take
for a terminally
ill loved one
is requesting
hospice
services as
early in his or
her end-stage
disease process
as possible.
