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Let’s Talk<br />
About<br />
Hospice<br />
“We wish we had you sooner” is a resounding phrase I have heard families say throughout my years<br />
of providing hospice care to our community. People do not know what they need until they need it. Let me<br />
explain. If your dishwasher breaks, then you need another one. You start searching for sales on the internet<br />
or maybe you visit a retailer who sells appliances. Either way you began your search because you needed<br />
something. This should not be what we do regarding more important aspects of our lives.<br />
Understanding what your community resources are, why they are here and what they can do for you<br />
and your family is paramount so that when you enter into a crisis, and trust me, a crisis will come, you know<br />
immediately what your plan is and how to obtain the assistance you need.<br />
Hospice is not a word that rolls off of the tongue nor is it a topic most people wish to discuss. It’s<br />
difficult for most people to engage in a serious discussion about end-of-life with a loved one and especially<br />
a parent or even a child (young or adult). But if we can make a conscious decision to just tackle the thing<br />
then we can get it behind us. Afterall, death is a sure thing. Transitioning from this earthly presence is as real<br />
as a new life entering and they are both processes – one with joy, if we are blessed, and one with sadness.<br />
We should never fear the inevitable but rather embrace the advanced opportunity to take advantage of every<br />
resource available that helps navigate the uncharted waters.<br />
So, why don’t people seek hospice services earlier than later? I’ll tell you. People, in general, are<br />
afraid of dying, and are often in denial about their terminal illness and how much time they have remaining.<br />
They also perhaps do not know what they qualify for or what services are even available.<br />
Non-profit hospice organizations, often deeply embedded in the community, typically share a unified<br />
mission which is to provide the highest quality of care with respect to terminal illnesses and their associated<br />
symptoms. These services are not limited to nursing alone. There is bereavement support, volunteer services,<br />
social services, chaplaincy support and many other special programs that focus upon more specific needs.<br />
If you, a loved one, or a friend has a terminal illness and a physician has advised the terminal illness<br />
is likely to end your life within six months or less then you should be reaching out to hospice to gain services.<br />
Immediately. All terminal illnesses often present with difficult symptoms for which you will desire comfort.<br />
You absolutely do not want to wait until the last moments of life to contact hospice. Contact them early. Ask<br />
questions. Help yourself to understand what is available to you to help with your specific situation and if you<br />
are able, reach out BEFORE you enter into the crisis.<br />
Hospice provides necessary medications, medical equipment, products for associated care, as well<br />
as an entire care team experienced and devoted to you AND your family. If you are in the midst of a terminal<br />
illness wouldn’t you want your family to receive assistance in your care?<br />
When you choose a hospice provider to help you during this particularly sensitive and emotional<br />
time, choose a non-profit provider who’s central mission is to help ease the transition into care, help guide you<br />
with amazing, individualized support and to keep you comfortable. Hospice will continue to follow bereaved<br />
individuals after the passing to help families and friends through the grief process.<br />
Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance companies do cover hospice expenses. So why would you<br />
not request services as soon as you are able? Don’t be burdened and don’t wait. Let people help you. There<br />
are many of us just waiting to offer a helping hand. And remember, utilizing hospice services is not a death<br />
sentence. It absolutely does not mean you are dying today. In fact, patients who receive personalized medical<br />
care in their home setting often do better and have a better quality of life for their remaining days than those<br />
who do not. Please allow a NON-profit hospice organization to help you realize a more comfortable and<br />
improved quality of life for the remainder of your days. This is our promise, our dedication, and our mission.<br />
Respectfully,<br />
Dawn M. Rozar, MBA-HA, BSN, RN<br />
Executive Director<br />
Heart of Georgia Hospice, Inc.<br />
July <strong>2021</strong><br />
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