By 2020, it’s been projected that 40% of Americans will die in nursing homes. More than 70% of people say that they would want to die at home. More people are going to need Hospice. There could be a time in your life when Hospice might cross your path. Hospice has to be one of the most misunderstood non-profit organizations I have come across.
To give you a little background about Hospice, it was founded 1967 by Cicely Saunders when she opened up the first Hospice, St. Christopher Hospice in London, England. Her philosophy was that after all medical means have been utilized to save a person’s life; a person had a right to die how ever they wanted to. In 1973, in the United States, we incorporated the same philosophy except, this time it was to allow for a patient to remain in their home if they choose to and die with dignity. If there are no means for someone to take care of a patient in their home, they may be moved to a Hospice facility. Hospice also has patients in nursing homes and hospitals.
Hospice is only called when all means for a productive life has been utilized, not before. Hospice does not speed up death nor prolong life. Hospice is called when a patient has six months or less to live. Basically, it provides the individual a “good death”, if there is such a thing.
I recently became a Hospice volunteer because I was able to experience it first hand when my mother was dying. My mother was already in a coma by the time I met with Hospice. She had a massive stroke and pretty much went right into the coma. She had lived only two weeks from the time of the stroke. Hospice wasn’t there for her however; they would have been if she was coherent. Hospice was there for me. I had family that came to visit, however it felt different knowing that someone on the outside really cared. I needed to understand what was going to happen towards the end.That is what Hospice showed me.
This week, I just finished my orientation to prepare me to become a volunteer. It was a five day seminar, four hours per day. I learned useful information that I was not aware of regarding Hospice. Here are some facts about Hospice I believe you might find interesting:
Hospice is a concept.
It is a non-profit business but owned separately. Therefore, it will depend on the one you select how good they are. The one I’m with is called “Hospice of the Comforter” in Altamonte Springs, Florida. They are one of the top four largest non-profit businesses in the tri-county area. They are also rated as one of the best businesses to work for in the Orlando area. You should investigate a Hospice’s track record and speak to people. There could be more Hospice organizations to choose from in your area.
People believe it’s all about the patient.
Hospice not only takes care of the patient, but it is also there for the caregiver and the family members as well.
There is no cost for Hospice.
Hospice is funded by Medicare. Once a patient is turned over to Hospice, all costs including their medications, supplies and medical equipment are covered. If a person was on Medicare, typically they have to pay out of the pocket with their medications. Not with Hospice. So it can save the person money. Hospice has shown to be more financially responsible than Medicare. For every $1 Hospice spends, Medicare is saved $1.50. So in essence Hospice saves the tax payer money. I believe the reason Hospice is so well-ran is because it is a business unlike Medicare which is another mismanaged federal agency.
Anyone is entitled to Hospice no matter what your financial situation.
When it is determined that the patient is terminal, their doctor would recommend Hospice. Immediately, Hospice would be there and an assessment would be made by Hospice. There is a wonderful support system that will make you believe in angels. With “Hospice of the Comforter”, we will provide 6 months of bereavement support to anyone even if you haven’t used Hospice. So, if you do suffer a loss, check with your local Hospice to see if there is something similar.
As a volunteer I know it will teach me about life’s strengths along with life’s weaknesses. It will make me realize how precious life can be and how important to live life daily to its fullness. Most of all, I will receive more from these patients than I could ever give back in return. So when you assume that Hospice is sad, well, from the point of missing someone, yes, it is sad. However, a reward that comes with knowing you could make a difference in someone’s life by giving comfort towards the end puts a smile on my face.
