What are your goals for taking care of yourself?

Many times I get asked to talk to a family or patient member regarding hospice, one of my first questions is “What are your primary goals for hospice care?”

In assessing the various methods of treatment, it is important be able to define the goals that will aid them in determining which path they want to follow. The medical treatment that is aggressive will continue to utilize all methods to improve or treat the condition the patient is facing. This may involve multiple medications as well as numerous visits in to see a specialist doctor each month, and being in and out of hospitals to receive treatment. Another alternative is palliative treatment. Palliative medical care is specialized for those suffering from an illness that is serious. Patients receiving palliative care can receive medical attention for their ailment, frequently, they continue some of the treatment options that are designed to treat their illness. Sometimes, this could lead to increased symptoms, or at times they aren’t in line with the person’s personal desires for their lives. Hospice care is an alternative to treatment options that are mostly focused on prolonging life when a condition has reached an extreme stage, and cure treatments have not produced the desired or desired outcome. While often used interchangeably palliative and hospice care are not the identical. Hospice is a form of comfort care with no curative intention The patient has exhausted alternatives for curative treatment or has decided not to seek treatment due to the risks outweigh the advantages. Palliative care refers to the term used to describe comfort care, whether or not it has curative intention. Some hospice facilities provide both types of care however it’s hospice’s main focus is on symptom and pain management as well as addressing the family and patient’s spiritual and emotional demands as the end of life comes closer.

It is interesting to note that the word “hospice” is derived in it’s Latin phrase “hospis,” meaning host and guest. It is the source of the words hospitality and hospital, hotel and hostel as well as Hospice in English. Although the roots of hospice aren’t entirely clear there is speculation that “safe homes” from Biblical times, where travelers could have peace, security and refuge from bandits is the first evidence of what evolved into the current hospice concept. In the 1950s, Cicely Saunders formulated several of the basic ideas of our current hospice.

I am aware that the final journey can be exhausting and tiring as I’ve experienced it with friends, family and, of course professionally. However, it is also a time of peace and tranquility. I’ve experienced first-hand the positive impact hospice has an individual’s life. I have witnessed family members be forgiven and old wounds heal. I’ve been humbled as well as humbled to hear stories of a life well-lived with tears and laughter. I’ve been part of making that dream trip an actual reality for families and patients. I’ve been part of families who enjoyed the moment when their loved ones could get their the medication they needed for pain or symptoms and not just have half of the prescription due to the cost or even be able to get it filled. If a patient in hospice is able to avail the respite benefits I’ve observed caregivers taking the time they need to relax or get time to focus on their own medical or personal requirements. I’ve witnessed the difference hospice assistance can make in the final stages of life and it’s incredibly unique.

To conclude the column today, I’d like to conclude with this. I am aware that the thought of hearing the word “hospice” can be a scary thought. Accepting that your loved ones or yourself may require hospice is not an easy task. The majority of the time the acceptance of hospice can be an emotional experience as it is a sign that, unless there’s an event that is miraculous on the other side of Heaven the way is now will have alter. However, I am convinced in the Bible it is stated in Hebrews 9:27 “And since it’s given to all men one time to die however, after this comes the judgement.” So the only thing that is certain in life is death is always one beat away. Hospice care does not mean absconding from treatment, it’s about selecting a different treatment option which is compatible with your needs of care. Do not be afraid to reach me or the hospice you prefer to discuss how hospice could provide the support you’ve sought.

We should every day be as if it was our last, for in that we will be at peace.

– – Vickie C. Wacaster is a patient and hospice advocate for Aveanna Hospice (formerly Comfort Care Hospice).

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