This post is sponsored by Optum Palliative Care for MomentsofLife.org
Last summer, my father-in-law, who was dearly loved by all of his family, declined in health rather rapidly. He went from staying at home on his own, to a nursing home, to home health care, to hospice, in a matter of weeks. Although it was an extremely difficult time for those of us who only knew Poppa as a strong, fun loving, supportive husband, father, grandfather, and friend, hospice care made it easier for us all.
Optum Palliative Care is supporting the non-profit 501 (c) 3 National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s, “Moments of Life” campaign. “Moments of Life” educates the public about the choices we all have when facing a life-limiting illness, and how choosing hospice is not ‘giving up.’ The campaign presents the facts about hospice, advance care planning tips, understanding grief, and caregiver stress. The 30 second public service announcement video captures the vivid, emotionally powerful ‘moments’, showing what people who receive hospice care genuinely experience.
For more information about Hospice and Palliative Care, go to Moments of Life.org
Julie Wood says
I think Hospice Care is a very good service to get the care that a person needs at the end of their life. We have an excellent Hospice Care in my town, and I would use it for my Dad if he gets very sick.
Trish says
I agree that hospice is a great service
Pam in Louisiana says
I used hospice care for my mom who passed away in Sept. 2014 after a long battle with kidney failure. I would highly recommend hospice care to those of you who are trying to do everything yourselves. I struggled trying to be the sole caretaker even while she was in the nursing home, not knowing how helpful and useful hospice was. Not only do they offer care for the person who needs the medical care, but also a respite (rest time) of sorts for the family caregivers. Moms’ hospice workers were truly angels sent for her care, as well as myself. Just call them, or encourage folks who really could use this service to do so, don’t wait…
Anne says
I know people who have had wonderful experiences with hospice care. Sadly for my mother, we were much less fortunate with the local hospice during her last months. They were much less than helpful, and were nothing like what I expected. Just thinking about it now makes me want to cry. My only consolation is that I believe it’s only the hospice here that’s so awful and that in general, hospice is a good resource with good people who truly care. If only my poor mother (and me, too, as her caregiver) could have benefited from it….
Cat Davis says
I’ve never had to deal with hospice care. My dad died suddenly and I can only hope the same for my mom. I’d hate to see her suffer for weeks or even months.
Lauren Harmon says
I hope that when my parents get older that they pass gracefully, I know from personal experience that having hospice care is so very important in the last months/weeks of someone’s life. Such a tough job but so helpful!
Nina Say says
Hospice made all of our lives so much easier before my grandpa passed away. We were all so emotional, they kept us all sane.
leechrista says
We’ve now been through both of my Grandparents and and two of Tim’s Grandparents as well. Hospice in some way or another helped them all through the journey. <3
DignaD says
The people who work as Hospice are unique people. I’m not sure I could handle the job. It is such a necessary job though and one that is appreciate by families going through terrible times.
Liz Mays says
The ability to be in your home with loved ones at the end would be the way to go. Hospice is a remarkable thing.
Shell Feis says
My Grandpa was in hospice care for a few weeks before he lost his battle with cancer. He wanted to pass in his home and it made things as peaceful as they could be given his condition. I think it made it a little easier on his wife, too.
jehaine says
I think my mom needs more help in their house. I have too much on my plate to do much for them other than jump in when an emergency crops up, and help once in awhile when they need some financial help.
Avry says
hospice is such a great program to help families who are losing a loved one. I’ve seen it work miracles with families of young children who are ill and passing on.