by Dr. Pat Hayes Talking to an ill loved one about hospice can be hard. It’s awkward and uncomfortable for most of us. We fear offending the other person, or worse, causing them emotional pain. I’ve seen this huge reluctance to even mention the word “hospice” in both family members and in physicians. But if…
by Pauline Cameron, RN, CHPN I worked with a patient who was in his late 30’s and had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of colon cancer. At the time of his referral to hospice, we had been told that his pain was not well-controlled. On my arrival at his home, the patient was lying…
Founder of the modern hospice movement, Dame Cicely Saunders once said “How people die remains in the memory of those who live on.” At Hospicare, we recognize the great importance behind Dr. Saunders’ words. Our goal in caring for our patients and supporting their families is for death to be a peaceful, natural experience and…
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“I wish we’d called you sooner.” This is something we hear often at Hospicare from patients and their loved ones. Once a doctor has certified that a patient has six months or less to live, the patient is eligible to go on hospice, but all too often, our hospice team isn’t called in until the…
We live in a death-denying culture making it difficult to talk about death, to know how to be, and what to say, in the presence of the dying. My mother’s hospice team in Maryland were my first teachers not only about dying, but as it happens, about living too. I found all of my interactions…
Advance care directives are directions you give to your loved ones and medical professionals outlining your healthcare wishes in the event you are unable to articulate them yourself. If you haven’t yet shared your advance care wishes, follow these five steps to ensure your healthcare choices and desires are communicated to those who will make…
by Lisa Schwartz, RN The first time I visited Hospicare was during a clinical rotation during my last semester of nursing school. As soon as I walked into the Residence, I knew how special it was and that one day I would work there.Three long years later, after going home to help my parents,then working…
Learning the Wisdom of Humility by Jeff Collins I was a social worker for Hospicare for 22 years, and I truly feel these years at the agency have been a profound blessing. There are many facets to this sense of blessing, but I think the deepest and richest part has been the way it has…