It is astounding to me that, although the need is great, the general population knows so little about hospice services. With our aging population, it would behoove all of us to become educated and informed about the services of an organization that provides comfort and care for those facing the end of life.
I recently read some staggering statistics about hospice. According to The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization www.nhpco.org, 1.45 million hospice patients were served in 2008. Out of approximately 2,500,000 deaths in 2009 - close to 963,000 were cared for by hospice workers. These numbers include patients cared for in private residences, nursing homes, residential facilities, acute care hospitals and hospice inpatient facilities.
All of us have known someone who has been cared for by hospice workers in the final days of their life. My hope is that along with my family, a compassionate and caring hospice worker will be by my side to comfort me at the end of my life. This thought, I am sure, is shared by many people.
If you have a family member, who is facing end of life issues, check with the hospice facility closest to you to see whether they have a lending library that includes the documentary film "Pioneers of Hospice: Changing the Face of Dying" www.pioneersofhospice.org. The film will help to educate you about an issue that, as human beings, each of us will face in a lifetime. The documentary sensitively handles a subject that some many are uncomfortable in discussing. It is insightful for any family member who is faced with end of life decisions and end of care life.
You will find comfort in knowing you have elevated your education and learned about hospice and it's value prior to making those difficult end of life decisions for your loved one.
"Other things might change us, but we start and end with family." ~ Anthony Brandt
As a hospice marketer, the feedback I hear most often from the families we serve is "I wish I'd know about hospice sooner."
It is a shame that so little is known about hospice by so few. And our society is still largely uncomfortable with the concept of death and dieing, rather than seeing it as a natural transition and stage of life.
This not only makes the job of marketing hospice services difficult, but it keeps the population who could reap the most benefits underserved.
Posted by: Melanie Morris | December 08, 2009 at 11:23 AM
I have been a hospice nurse and a hospice volunteer and been very touched by each experience. However, it wasn't until both my mother and my mother-in-law were hospice patients that I realized the total impact that hospice has not only on the patients but also on each family member.
Thank you Sue, for sharing this very important information. Hospice is a gift to everyone it touches.
Posted by: Salley Gibney | December 06, 2009 at 07:31 AM
My beloved mother-in-law was helped so much by Hospice in her home that I will forever be a fan. Thanks to all that work in this area, I know it must be hard, but the worth of your work is much more immense than you will ever know.
Posted by: Kathy Zegowitz | December 04, 2009 at 08:47 PM
I know how much hospice has helped many families. I think the caretakers are our heroes. They show such compassion and respect when it is most needed. So admirable! THANK YOU!
Posted by: Beth Holt | December 04, 2009 at 11:40 AM
What a wonderful article! My family has recently experienced the gentleness, kindness, warmth & expertise of the hospice care provider. This truly is a "family" service -- my siblings & I all feel good about the care our mother is being given. Hospice is such a blessing in our lives.
Posted by: Vicki Via | December 04, 2009 at 09:53 AM
So many people have a hard time knowing how to comfort a dying loved one. Hospice is the bridge between life and death. It brings comfort to the whole family.
Posted by: Tina O'Connor | December 04, 2009 at 09:20 AM
I have seen first hand the value of hospice. A close friend recently passed away after a long battle with cancer. Hospice offered so much information, support in dealing with all the many issues and emotions she and her family were faced with at the end of her life.
I am so happy to learn of the value of hospice and the important service!
Jan
Posted by: Jan Smolca | December 04, 2009 at 08:15 AM
A very good article, I had a friend who helped out three times a week at a hospice care, he said it made him grow in his heart and that he found peace from giving peach to others. I very much enjoyed this article and yes we start and end with family and hopefully a loving hospice care person. Darlene
Posted by: Darlene | December 03, 2009 at 09:01 PM
Love this article, I had a good friend that was involved with hospice. He would come home and say he had more peace and energy, after spending hours with a person that was dying. Yes, we start and end with family, along with, hopefully a hospice working with a loving touch.
Posted by: Darlene | December 03, 2009 at 08:58 PM
So true! Great information, much needed!
Posted by: JoAnn Thibault | December 03, 2009 at 08:39 PM
My grandfather died in the care of hospice workers, and I will be forever grateful for their excellent, expert and gentle care during that time. Thank you for calling attention to such an important part of our society, Sue.
Posted by: Kamy Wicoff | December 03, 2009 at 05:24 PM