"When we are born, people around are laughing with joy. When we die, people around are crying with sadness. With the help of hospice, the dying process can be a peaceful and a meaningful one." C.W

Who will benefit from Hospice Care?

Hospice care is specialized care for those diagnosed with a terminal condition where the condition is no longer responding to curative treatments. It is also an alternative, when the patient and family no longer wish to pursue curative treatments preferring to focus on quality of life and palliative care services. Our bio-medical model has changed significantly in recent years. Because of advance in medical technology, what were once killing diseases may now be no more than chronic illnesses. People are living longer, consuming more drugs, potentially suffering the side effects from these medications and, in many instances, experiencing an end-of-life period of distress and poor quality. Palliative care was once a natural process for the dying and terminally ill. However, this philosophy of care has been largely overtaken by "advanced" medical technology. The result is that, more people are receiving aggressive treatments and medical services that may adversely impact their quality of life while not providing any real extension of life.

Here are few questions to help you decide whether or not hospice services could benefit you or your loved one:  

1)      Do you want to be cared for at home during the last months, weeks and days of your life?

2)      Do you want to participate in your own health care treatments that are based on a palliative care philosophy?

3)      Do you believe in the natural process at the end-of- life when curative treatments are no longer a realistic option?

4)      Do you no longer wish to continue with the frequent visits to physician offices, the emergency room and undergo more hospital admissions?

5)      Do you believe in maintaining the best possible quality of life, even when approaching death?

6)      Do you hope to have closure with family, friends and personal matters?

7)      Do you hope to face death consciously and to be able to participate in making your final decisions?

Anyone Can Make a Hospice Referral

Hospice care is a Medicare and Medicaid benefit that was established in 1984 to aid people with a terminally ill condition. It is an alternative, end-of-life care choice for those who are seeking a holistic approach to their medical decision making. In making this choice an individual would obtain not only physical, but also social, emotional and spiritual care services, which can be provided at their home or in many medical facilities. Hospice care is a personal choice and a hospice consultation may be requested by not only a medical professional but by any person who feels that they or another may benefit from hospice. Please visit our website for more information at www.vvcommunityhospice.com or you may contact us directly at: 928-634-1073.