One of the most vital programs provided by Lake Sunapee Region VNA and Hospice (LSRVNA) is its certified Hospice Program. Hospice is dedicated to the belief that “life is about how you live,” emphasizing comfort, independence, and quality of life when facing terminal illness. It is a comprehensive, holistic program dedicated to making each person’s final journey what they want it to be.
A skilled team of caregivers supports the unique physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of each hospice patient and their family at end of life. We define end of life care not so much in terms of length – which can be days, weeks, or many months – but rather focusing on comfort which helps to attain personal goals when facing terminal illness. When a person chooses to enroll in hospice, they are not choosing to give up all medical treatment. Medical management of pain and other symptoms is readily available.
LSRVNA has also become a national partner of We Honor Veterans, a pioneering campaign developed by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs. It may surprise many people to learn that 25% of those who die every year in the US are veterans. By recognizing the unique needs of our nation’s veterans who are facing a life-limiting illness, LSRVNA staff are able to accompany and guide veterans and their families toward a more peaceful end of life.
Another vital part of our Hospice program is the bereavement support that is provided for 14 months after the patient’s death to help family and friends cope with normal yet difficult phases of loss. Each year, LSRVNA cares for approximately 100 families in its hospice program and 125 families in its bereavement program.
Awareness Of Hospice
A clear need is before us, as a community and society, to continually enhance awareness and utilization of hospice. Although home is where most everyone wants to be at end of life, less than a third of people nationwide who are eligible for hospice actually enroll.
As we celebrate National Hospice and Palliative Care Month in November, there are 10 important things we hope will help you better understand hospice care:
Hospice Care is for individuals of any age, newborns to the elderly.
Hospice Care does not mean giving up all medical treatment.
Hospice Care is at no cost to people with Medicare and Medicaid, and for most people through other private insurance.
Hospice Care is not only for the last few days of life; in fact, earlier hospice care provides greater comfort.
Hospice Care focuses on how you live, helping each person find meaning in every day.
Hospice Care supports not only the patient but also his or her family and caregivers.
Hospice Care is provided in your “home,” whether that is a private residence, nursing home, hospital, or other facility.
Hospice Care does not require you to change doctors.
Hospice Care team members are on call 24/7.
Hospice Care is a program of Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice and is not a separate organization
Our hospice team provides:
- Skilled Physician and Nursing
- Physical, Occupational, Speech Therapy
- Comfort and Pain Management
- Medical Social Workers
- Spiritual Care Providers
- Registered Dieticians
- Home Care Aides
- Homemakers
- Trained Volunteers
- Support Groups
- Bereavement Support
- Physician Support
Questions? Visit LakeSunapeeVNA.org or call 526-4077 to learn more about hospice and our “Living Hope Umbrella.”