Hospice Care - Major Life Events Call For Family Involvement

Article submitted by Casa de la Luz Hospice.
For more information, they can be reached at 520-544-9890.

When "birthing rooms" were introduced in hospitals, less than thirty years ago, they were created at the insistence of women about to give birth who would no longer keep silent as their family and friends were barred from the delivery room. Today, loved ones are allowed to give support to the mother and witness the miracle of birth. Recently, it is "end of life" care that is coming into it's own as the media concentrates on the needs of the terminally ill patient who does not want to die alone in a sterile hospital room. As a result, more people are insisting on staying in their homes, surrounded by friends and family as they complete their final journey in life.

No longer does the term "hospice" hold the ominous foreboding of imminent death. Instead, more and more seniors are realizing that the generous benefit allows them to take their final journey in peace and comfort. With the support of a team of professional people who are specifically trained to guide them and minister to their needs, quality of life becomes the goal for the patient and their family. Under the direct orders of the patient's doctor, all team members work together to allow terminally ill patients a pain free journey with family and friends acting as part of the team with their input and presence.

Many of the patient's medications and medical equipment (such as hospital beds, wheel chairs and oxygen) are covered under the benefit. Hospice team members are available to respond to calls at any hour of the day or night. Social workers and spiritual counselors work together to reunite families that have been estranged or to help with final arrangements and memorial services. Volunteers can be enlisted to read or to visit with patients. And all is covered by the Medicare hospice benefit...even though a patient may belong to an HMO.