HOSPICE

Hospice is a type of care and a philosophy of care which focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient's symptoms. These symptoms can be physical, emotional, spiritual or social in nature. The concept of hospice has been evolving since the 11th century. Then, and for centuries thereafter, hospices were places of hospitality for the sick, wounded, or dying, as well as those for travelers and pilgrims. The modern concept of hospice includes palliative care for the incurably ill given in such institutions as hospitals or nursing homes, but also care provided to those who would rather die in their own homes. It began to emerge in the 17th century, but many of the foundational principles by which modern hospice services operate were pioneered in the 1950s by Dame Cicely Saunders.

My dears, having a close neighbour coming home to die and using the services of Hospice has brought back a flood of memories of past experience with Hospice.

My life's companion had a terminal illness, many who are 'au fait' with the story of me life know that, what many do not know is that his passing was made easier by being able to die at home.

I remember well the conversation John and I had about that.  He had been in and out of hospital multiple times and came to dread each stay.  No matter how lovely the hospital, it is a very cold impersonal place, filled with many strangers and odd comings and goings at all hours of day and night.  It is a wonder that any get a good rest while there.  When is was quite clear that John was not going to get much better, in point of fact, much worse, and die, choices had to be made as to how the end would be dealt with.

John wanted to die at home, in his own bed, with his favourite dog by side and loved music playing.  All very easy for John, all he had to do was lie there and die, this old bugger would have to do the hard part, care for him.  The doctors asked if I knew what I was getting into.  There would be medicines to give, tubes to clear and all sort of other things to handle, 24/7.  Being ever so clever, I told I did, and set into motion the plan.

No matter how much you love someone, nothing prepares you for the task of performing tasks for 24/7.  Illness is hard on both the ill and the care giver.  After months of trying to do all things, I fell apart, it was too much.  I rang up local Hospice and asked if there was a chance for getting some help.  There was indeed and all that was required was a certificate stating that John was soon to die.

Hospice came round to home and told what was needed to make the task of John being comfy in home best.  The bed was all wrong, and a new one was got.  Extra things to aide in the care for were got.  More important, I was given the opportunity to vent with someone who understood how hard all of this was on.  It also gave me the chance to get out a bit and keep life going.  Helped John meet and chat with caring folks who made him comfy while I was about.

As John got worse, Hospice was there to make sure that all that was needed was available.  Most important was the support and love.  Pain was kept at minimum. Hospice never crowded the home, one was always able to have private time with John.  John felt special at all of the personal attention given to.

When John died, Hospice came round and took care of many of the small details that were very hard to deal with.  The doctor was called to make sure that death was noted.  The furneral home was rung up to collect John.  John was prepared for his final outing.  Hospice sat with MOI and held hand, while a good cry was had.  Helped put to bed and sat with until the next morn.  In short, Hospice kept this old geezer focused on the present and not what had happened.  There were many things to do and it was important to go on with life.

Had it not been for Hospice, John might not have died at home.  Having the opportunity to make John comfy made that happen.  Not cash, but the helping and caring folks of Hospice.  I never forgot that, and now get to see another person known, have the opportunity to die with dignity at home.

Yesterday, as the reserved parking place was made ready for Hospice, all of me thoughts of past experiences floated by my eyes.  I do not fear death, and have no desire to pretend that what is happening has to be hidden.  This is 2010, we are not living in the dark ages.