With hospice There is Hope

Author: 
Chuck Atkinson

By Chuck Atkinson

With Hospice There Is Hope

 

Some of the most difficult words for anyone to hear are that you, a loved one, or a friend needs to be on Hospice because you have __________. This “sentence “can at times feel like the end of the world and people are often in a mental state of numbness when the physician gives them the news. When someone hears this, they may often think that the individual is actively dying and that there is no hope. You may believe that with Hospice involved time is very short for your loved one or friend and there is nothing that anyone can do.

 

Nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, when Hospice becomes involved people can actually improve somewhat and patients live longer than those who do not have Hospice (NHPCO report dated March 2007).

 

 Does this mean that all their initial diagnosis and problems are resolved? No it does not. Those diseases and problems are still on-going, but there is always hope. With intensive management of the patient by a dedicated and caring team of professionals, including physicians, nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, alternative therapies, and volunteers, often people feel more energy and are able to do some of the things they may want to do.

 

I like to look at Hospice from the perspective of hope. First, let us examine the word Hospice. Once you take the sickness from Hospice (sic) you are left with an amazing word; HOPE.

 

Hope can take many forms. Some of those forms can be: Hope that pain and symptoms will be controlled; Hope that you and your family will be supported through difficult times; Hope that your strengths will be celebrated; Hope that your life will be honored; Hope that who you are will not be lost in a maze of medical jargon and services;  Hope that last wishes can be realized; Hope that your quality of life and dignity will be honored; Hope that throughout your journey, someone will be there to walk alongside you; and finally, Hope that you will be loved and cared for.
 

Each person and family is very unique with their own challenges and needs. We at Zion’s Way Hospice work hard to meet the challenges and celebrate the special families we serve.