Important Days Of Our Lives
Jack D. Gordon, President
Hospice Foundation of America [Note: Mr. Gordon served as Chairman and CEO
of HFA until his death in 2005.]
On the day we are born, we are surrounded by love, with many people committed to bringing us through the birth process as gently as possible.
But the day we die is too often a merciful deliverance from an extended period of discomfort and pain, imposed by an uncaring, institutionalized medical system.
Rather than being a release from suffering, dying should be more of a gentle transition through one of life's natural processes, eased by compassionate care and the presence and support of loved ones.
Fortunately, there is a medical system that delivers that care. It is called hospice, and last year almost one-half million Americans took advantage of this special kind of caring.
In hospice, pain and discomfort are controlled. The unit of care is the family as well as the patient, and an array of services is offered to ease the emotional, psychological and spiritual stress that comes with a loved one's death. The family receives ongoing support even after the patient dies.
Hospice is most often appropriate when a patient is in the last few months of a terminal illness and when aggressive therapies are no longer working. Isn't it better to die surrounded by love rather than being surrounded by machines?
Hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance programs, including HMOs.
If you know of someone who is approaching the end stage of a terminal illness, it is their right to be offered the hospice option.
Let us know what you think.
