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| News & Events |
| November 04, 2008
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| HOSPICE PROVIDES WHAT AMERICANS WANT |
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Hospice provides what Americans want
at the end of life
November is National Hospice/Palliative Care Month, a time to celebrate those who provide hospice and palliative care to those in our community, and help raise awareness of quality care at the end of life. In Niagara County, we are fortunate to have the experienced staff and trained volunteers of Niagara Hospice offering care and support during one of life’s most challenging journeys.
The hospice philosophy holds that end-of-life care should emphasize quality of life. Last year, hospice helped more than 1.4 million Americans live fully up until the end of life. A nationwide Gallup survey conducted for the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization produced several key outcomes:
- An overwhelming majority of adults said they would be interested in the comprehensive program of care at home that hospice programs provide. Yet most Americans know little or nothing about their eligibility for or availability of hospice.
- Nine out of 10 adults would prefer to be cared for at home rather than in a hospital or nursing home if diagnosed with a terminal illness. Hospice provides the option of being cared for at a place the patient calls home: 96% of hospice care is provided in the patient’s home or place they call home.
- When asked to name their greatest fear associated with death, respondents most cited “being a burden to family and friends,” followed by “pain” and “lack of control.” Addressing the whole range of physical and emotional needs of the patient and his or her family is what makes hospice care so special.
- Most adults believe it would take a year or more to adjust to the death of a loved one. However, only 10% of adults have ever participated in a bereavement program or grief counseling following the death of a loved one. Niagara Hospice offers 13 months of grief counseling for the surviving family and friends.
To help celebrate November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, Niagara Hospice will hold several Open House events at Niagara Hospice House, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport. The community is invited to come and learn more about hospice during a tour of Niagara Hospice House. The dates are Thursday, November 13 at 6-8:00pm; Sunday, November 16 at 2-4:00pm; and Tuesday, November 25 at 6-8:00pm.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Month is the perfect time to talk to your physician, friends and family, social workers, hospital discharge planner or nursing home staff about hospice. If you or someone you love is faced with a potentially terminal illness, call Niagara Hospice at (716) 439-4417 – we can help. More information can be found on the organization’s website at www.niagarahospice.org.
And finally, if you know a hospice worker - staff or volunteer - please remember to thank these dedicated individuals, and support the ongoing work of Niagara Hospice. |
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