Hospice Care

Article submitted by Forbes Hospice.
For more information, they can be reached at 412-665-3242.

Shortly after Ken and Jean celebrated their forty-third wedding anniversary, Ken was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Along with their two daughters and five grandchildren, their family was thrown into a frightening maze of tests, hospitalizations and treatments. Despite aggressive care, Ken's disease progressed, and his physician referred him to hospice. At first, Ken and his family were skeptical about hospice- sometimes feeling lost and hopeless. Then he and his wife met with the hospice nurse, who talked to them about their expectations and their hopes. They began to understand the many ways hospice could help them.

The nurse worked with Ken's physician, and they were able to reduce his pain. This improved Ken's mobility. With his pain under control, Ken was again able to enjoy the outdoors, visits with good friends, and most importantly, play with his grandchildren. Through regular discussions with the hospice social worker and chaplain, Ken's ability to talk about his life, fears and concerns, and goals increased. He commented to his wife how these talks helped him to feel less afraid and gave him the ability to tell his family what he wanted. His family also found comfort in talking with the counselors, and eventually with each other. Ken's fondest wish was to remain home with his family. He wasn't sure if this would be possible, and he didn't want to be a burden to his family, but with the support of hospice he was able to stay out of the hospital and died peacefully at home- with his wife holding his hand.

While Hospice has been part of the health care landscape for over twenty-five years, many people have misconceptions and scattered knowledge about the kind of care and support that hospice provides. The word "Hospice" is taken from the Latin "Hospitium" which means guesthouse. In medieval times, travelers stopped at these hospices and were fed, housed and cared for along their journeys. Modern Hospice began in England in the mid 1960's and was brought to the United States in the 1970's. During the last 30 years, Hospices across the country have taken care of patients and the families who love them in a compassionate way, always with the intention of providing the best quality of life possible.

After Ken died, the hospice that took care of him received a letter from one of his daughters. In part, the letter said: "You provided extraordinary care as health care experts and liaisons between us and other service providers- solving problems that provided great physical comfort for Dad and peace of mind for us all. You shared with Dad so much of yourselves, providing a special friendship love and support. You kept what was a heartbreaking time for us from also being frightening and bewildering. I'm very grateful to you all."

Hospice care is unique, bringing comfort, compassion and dignity to patients and families amidst the stress of illness. If you or someone you love is diagnosed with a serious illness, hospice can help. Don't be afraid to ask for a referral.