Why Choose Hospice Care?

By Madelyn Thompson

The question’s often asked: "Why would someone choose hospice…isn’t that like giving up?" As a hospice volunteer coordinator, my reaction’s always the same: "Why wouldn’t someone want hospice care?"

Life is a journey meant to be shared, all the way to the closing chapter. At this most difficult point in a person’s life, the care and compassion a qualified hospice team provides can make all the difference. No one needs to die alone. Hospice care provides a community of support that shapes itself to address the specific needs of the individual and their family members. The hospice care philosophy embraces the whole person, physical, psychological, social and spiritual.

Usually, a hospice team includes a medical director, who is a licensed physician, a registered nurse case manager, nurse’s aides, social workers, a spiritual care representative, bereavement support staff and volunteers. All are there to assist the whole family through this life-changing event. We’re all focused on the goal of making it possible for a dying individual to carry on an alert, pain-free life. Necessary support helps us manage other symptoms as well, so that these last days may be spent with dignity and quality at home or in a home-like setting.

Hospice care can be initiated when a person’s physician has estimated a life expectancy of about six months should a disease progress on an expected course. It helps to know that hospice benefits are covered by Medicare Part A, Medicaid and many private insurance companies. If these options aren’t available, special funds exist to defray the cost of hospice care based on financial eligibility. Coverage not only includes the team of hospice professionals, but also covers medicines, medical equipment and supplies that are needed to assist in care that is related to the terminal diagnosis.

We welcome the opportunity to be present for a birth, graduation, wedding or other special occasion. We also now have the opportunity to be present for this final human life transition in a constructive, loving way.

Madelyn Thompson is volunteer coordinator for Heartland Hospice serving a large portion of West Michigan. She also serves as pastor for the North Michigan district of the Wesleyan Church. Her weekly newspaper column appears in The Lakeview Area News.

Originally published in Natural Awakenings West Michigan July 2006 Premiere issue.