In this time of year where there is such celebration of birth, it may seem strange to talk about the other end of the spectrum, the process of dying. But in the big circle of life, both can be celebrated as part of the life process. In facing our inevitable end, there is dignity. Unlike modern western societies, most people historically and in the world even today spend their last bit of time at home. Hospice allows a dignified good dying experience at home or wherever the person resides. Facing death with the help of hospice nurses and staff can prepare family members also. Often misguided guilt from the patient or family is dealt with and grieving is helped.
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Ask someone about “hospice” and you’ll get lots of misinformation:
“ Isn't it a place that they put you in when you’re about to die?”
Really, it’s a team of supporting healthcare providers who will be there for you and your family, anywhere including your home for the last six months of life.
“Won't they stop treating you and you die too early and in a bad way?”
Actually you will receive any medical treatment that helps your symptoms and improves the quality of life. For example radiation treatment that shrinks a cancer mass causing symptoms will be performed. But if a long course of radiation or chemo is desired in a late stage cancer for a low likelihood of possibly prolonging life a few months, then it is not covered by hospice. (Remember that many people suffer a low quality of life and premature death with such treatment at this stage)
“Once you sign up then you can’t get off.”
Not true. You can get off of hospice at any time. But often patients and families are so pleased with the supportive care and having all of the meds and supplies being provided, that they don’t want to get off.
“It must cost a lot for health and supportive care like that.”
Medicare and other government and private insurances cover hospice, which pays for just about everything.
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When a person is starting the dying process, they or their family believe they “lost a battle” when it is really a no-fault situation. Besides early stage cancer, there is often a myth of curative treatment for many severe, chronic conditions that are in a late stage, according to Leigh Fredholm, M.D. of Austin Hospice. She and other speakers are available to discuss hospice and even show the 30-minute documentary “Except for Six”, taking the journey of Ron, his family and the staff through his hospice experience. Hospice has experience dealing with families especially when they get to know them over months. This is better than waiting to the very end.
. . . Now I lay me down to sleep…
There are good things about knowing that death is coming. You can prepare and have all your stuff arranged for. Family and friends have the opportunity to visit more. A good reference is the 1969 pivotal book, “On Death and Dying” by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. This book (online atEKRfoundation.org) deals with death and dying including denial, which is better discussed before the very end.
Maybe we can make the analogy of the midwife and the hospice nurse: birth being like an awakening and death like sleep; both can be a tranquil and beautiful experience.
. . .Silent night, Holy night…
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HospiceAustin.org
- Hospice Austin is a not-for-profit hospice for over 30years. It has the goal: “emphasis is on living each day to the fullest, in a comfortable place, free of pain and in the company of loved ones. “
-Hospice Austin's Christopher House is located at 2820 E. Martin Luther King Blvd
-Anyone can call 800-445-3261 for hospice information, at any stage of serious illness
- The team usually consists of a physician, nurse, social worker, home health aide, homemaker, volunteer, chaplain and bereavement counselor (as requested) — all working together and focusing on the needs and wishes of the patient and loved ones.
PeacefulTranquilityHospice.com
– a personal thank-you from me. They provided wonderful care for my mother at her home in Galveston
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