A Closer Look at Hospice – Perspectives From Two Team Members
Why hospice isn’t a last resort
As you or your loved one struggles with a life-limiting illness, frequent visits to the hospital or ER can become normal. Between the intensive treatment and the constant back-and-forth, you may begin to wonder if there’s another way.
Unfortunately, the words hospice care are often met with emotional barriers and fear. In many cases, the stigma is so strong that family members avoid the conversation until their loved one has just days to live. As a result, they miss out on the benefits of early admission.
In the words of Ethos Hospice Social Worker Abby Papenfuss, “By getting to know the patient earlier, we can provide better support for them and their family throughout the journey versus right at the end.” Here’s why hospice isn't a last resort.
What exactly is hospice care?
Before we explore the benefits of early admission to hospice care, let’s start with a clear definition of what hospice care truly means.
From an eligibility standpoint, hospice care is available to individuals who have a terminal diagnosis from their primary physician and a life expectancy of six months or less. Once a patient is admitted, we develop a tailored approach to care.
Whether that’s the physical, spiritual, and emotional benefits of our therapeutic musicians or a helping hand around the house from our trained volunteers, no two hospice care experiences are exactly alike. That’s all with the trusted support of our medical and social work services.
Amanda Monson, our RN case manager, said it best. “Ethos Hospice is comprised of interdisciplinary team members providing therapeutic music, social work, chaplaincy, nursing, and home health aide support. We truly work together as a team.”
How can hospice care help?
Throughout the end-of-life journey, hospice care brings essential support, resources, and guidance to the comfort of home. By personalizing our care team for each patient’s unique circumstances, we empower those we serve to live out their remaining months, weeks, or days with elevated quality of life.
Hospice care is especially beneficial for patients with cognitive conditions. In Amanda’s words, “For patients who are living with dementia or memory loss, hospice care can provide extra socialization, spiritual and social support for both loved ones and family members, and symptom management.”
By connecting with patients at the earliest days of their eligibility, we can ensure the highest quality of life by building deeper relationships, reducing unnecessary hospitalizations, and determining the best strategies and services for the patient and their family.
How does hospice care benefit family members?
At Ethos Hospice, we view family members as an essential part of the full hospice care picture. In turn, our chaplains and social workers provide a caring shoulder to lean on throughout every stage of your loved one’s end-of-life journey.
From there, we offer 13 months of bereavement support to surround families with a compassionate network to navigate life after loss. In Abby’s words, “After a loved one passes, bereavement support helps family members work through the grieving process.”
For the families who have entrusted their loved ones to us, Ethos Hospice has served as a cornerstone of grief support, spiritual counseling, and beyond.
Should you consider Ethos Hospice?
Through our dedicated care teams, extensive at-home resources, and personalized approach, we deliver life-affirming hospice care that makes the most of each day.
As you navigate the decision-making process, consider taking our survey. With just a few minutes of your time, you can determine if Ethos Hospice could be the answer for you or your loved one. We are also available for a call at (701) 515-0240 to help guide your decision.
Published on June 25th, 2024
