hospice – Here for Life

A day to carry with me forever

December 15, 20226

I’m watching my hospice patient die, in his bed. Above him on the wall hangs his wedding photo; in his hand are sacred images and a rosary wrapped tightly. I bet on his wedding day, he never thought that many years later lung disease would claim his life. Not for one moment did he think he’d be here – dying much earlier than the long life he planned to live – with his wife at his bedside, broken and keeping vigil. My heart is heavy as it observes the beginning and end of their journey together.

As the nurse appointed to manage his pain, I am privy to the all-too-intimate moments of life at its end. All that is left in this room is love. I’m wrapped up in it, pulled and compelled by it. It’s in all the details: the many, many family members here, how gently and lovingly they talk to and touch their loved one, the music – the patient’s favorite, of course – and even how family members adjust his clothing and position to make sure he is comfortable. (more…)

Grieving during the holidays – the 4 R’s

December 22, 2021

Adapted from National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization Bereavement Professionals Chat, Grief Support and the Holidays, Kara Thoma, LCSW, ACHP-SW, Joelle Osterhaus, LCSW, ACHP-SW, October 2021.

The holidays are an emotional and often stressful time for most of us, which are often further intensified for the bereaved. As the time approaches, dread, anxiety, and worry can wash over us, filling our heart and mind. We may feel isolated because during a time when others are “merry,” we may not feel merry at all to the point where it feels like no one understands. Others may want to keep things exactly as they used to be. It can feel like the progress we made with our grief takes ten steps back. How can the bereaved enjoy the holidays while also grieving? The four R’s can serve as a guide. (more…)

Hospice care is palliative care, but not all palliative care is hospice care

January 10, 2020

Confused? The terms “palliative care” and “hospice care” are often used interchangeably when, in fact, they are not the same thing. Each has a different focus but they both share the same goal: bring comfort and relief to the patient and family.

Palliative care: comfort care for illness

This type of care uses an interdisciplinary team approach in order to improve the quality of life for the patient and family. The approach is holistic, caring for the physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, legal and advance care planning needs of the patient. This team is specially trained in palliative care and consist of doctors, nurses, social workers and other specialists. They will work with the patient’s primary doctors to provide this “extra layer of support” as the patient faces serious or life-threatening diseases. Everyone will work to manage the symptoms of the illness to keep the patient comfortable. (more…)

When you’re not ready for hospice: the IMPACT care model

May 15, 2017

IMPACT is a Medicare model utilized at Hospice of the Twin Cities that provides support and care coordination for terminally-ill patients who live at home, have Medicare Parts A & B eligibility, and who continue to treat their CHF, COPD, HIV or cancer diagnosis.

IMPACT patients are not yet ready for hospice and continue to get treatment for their illness. The model provides hospice-like support through telephonic case management along with social work, home health, and spiritual care services, adding to a patient’s plan of care and treatment. Oftentimes, stigma alone prevents patients from choosing hospice, and if such services are offered as patients treat their disease, their quality of life can improve significantly. Ultimately, they are likely to experience the benefits of hospice – seeing it as enhancing and not ending life – and will opt for hospice when ready. (more…)

Advance care planning: let your voice be heard

April 13, 2017

By Rachael Huyck, MSW, LISW

In the mid-90s, while working with World War II Veterans in their final days, my team and I sought to create documents (formally referred to as “living wills”) that would put in writing the vets’ choices about specific life-sustaining treatment. The process was frustrating for the veterans. How can every possible situation be considered? How can anyone know his or her wishes if and when faced with a serious accident, or a severe or terminal illness? (more…)