Hospice. For some, the word is synonymous with our dying breath, a person receiving Hospice services has “given up,” or will be given drugs to hasten death. None of those things are true. Not. A. Single. One. If you are receiving Hospice services, or have ever had a loved one receive them, you are probably nodding along with me right now. Hospice is a specialized type of care for those facing a life-limiting illness, and supports the individual as well as their family and loved ones.

Franklin VNA & Hospice has a moving video of Carol Stonemetz on their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pg/FranklinVNAHospice/videos/ that speaks to how home Hospice affected both her life and that of her husband, Lee.

At its heart, Hospice is a philosophy of care that supports the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the individual and their loved ones. The person receiving Hospice care is able to focus on what is most important to them.

Elaine Cartier, Hospice Administrator at Franklin VNA & Hospice, says, “So many people begin to receive Hospice services in the last few weeks of life, but so often that benefit could have been instituted for you and your family nearly six months sooner, when your provider comes to this terminal illness conclusion, and truthfully we need that time with you, every minute of those six months.  Yes, we can come in during the last few days or weeks and make a difference, but home Hospice is about that person getting support with everything going on, to help their families and loved ones care for them at home, where they want to be. It is about our entire team focusing on how you want to spend your time, and helping you live the remainder of your life to the fullest.”

Far from giving up, Hospice is a choice to focus on quality of life. It is not curative treatment, it is a focus on symptom management, not to hasten end of life, but to live it with dignity. It seeks to alleviate distressing symptoms like pain, nausea or shortness of breath. It is a focus on spiritual and emotional needs when we wonder why is this happening to me? How can I come to terms with any regrets in my life? Hospice also helps to provide support for the caregivers who are on that journey with you.

Many people receiving Hospice services, and their families, say they wish they had begun Hospice sooner because it was so transformative. As you prepare to age, don’t shy away from the whole point of home Hospice – giving people the tools and support they need so they may have a dignified and peaceful end of life, at home, just like you planned.  

You have a choice in your Homecare and Hospice provider.
Choose local. Choose Franklin VNA & Hospice.
For more information, call Franklin VNA & Hospice at (603) 934-3454 or visit www.FranklinVNA.org.