LIHU‘E — While many people get the idea that hospice care is all about end-of-life decisions, the professionals and volunteers at Kaua‘i Hospice say the focus is on living, not dying. And although National Hospice and Palliative Care Month ended
LIHU‘E — While many people get the idea that hospice care is all about end-of-life decisions, the professionals and volunteers at Kaua‘i Hospice say the focus is on living, not dying.
And although National Hospice and Palliative Care Month ended with the end of November, the holiday season is a good time to let people know about the services and benefits of hospice, Kaua‘i Hospice officials said in a press release.
“Palliative” means “to make less severe,” as in to comfort those who are confronting end-of-life issues both as patients and caregivers.
Hospice care helps patients and families focus on living, the release states.
This is the message Kaua‘i Hospice is sharing with the community, and last month and earlier this month the entity hosted activities that focus on celebrating this unique system of support and the benefits provided by the loving care of hospice.
The holidays are “a valuable time to raise awareness throughout our community about end of life care,” said Lori Miller, executive director of Kaua‘i Hospice.
“But the timing of when a family might need us doesn’t follow a calendar or occur only during the holiday season, so our message must make an impression that stays with people all year long,” she said.
The Seasons of Caring theme reminds people that life’s final seasons can be some of the most fulfilling, especially when patients and families look to hospice care for help, she said.
“With the help of hospice, patients and families alike can focus on what’s most important — enjoying life together and living the final seasons to their fullest,” said Miller. “It’s about the quality of life.”
The hospice team provides expert medical care to keep patients comfortable and able to enjoy time with loved ones.
They answer questions, offer advice on what to expect, and help families with the duties of being a caregiver. The team also provides emotional and spiritual support for the entire family, said Miller.
“There’s an inaccurate perception among the American public that hospice means you’ve given up,” said J. Donald Schumacher, president and chief executive officer of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
“Those of us who have worked in the field have seen firsthand how hospice and palliative care can improve the quality of life. There’s a growing body of research showing that hospice and palliative care may prolong the lives of some people who receive care,” said Schumacher.
The mission of Kaua‘i Hospice is to ensure the highest quality of life possible for individuals and their families facing a life-threatening illness; to provide bereavement support to individuals, and to promote an understanding of hospice services.
For more information about Kaua‘i Hospice and its programs, see www.kauaihospice.org or call 245-7277.
