Get the facts on Hospice

Dear Editor:

In a recent visit to Hospice of the Panhandle’s Morgan County office, one of our nurses told me that she thought a lot of the people in Morgan County seemed to have a misunderstanding about hospice care.

She said that of the patients and families she visits, many have told her they did not understand hospice care before enrolling. They thought hospice was only for people who were near death. But they also said that since receiving hospice services, they realize the many benefits of hospice care and wish they had called hospice sooner.

Misperceptions about hospice care continue to cast a shadow over this supportive, cost-saving health care program. People avoid calling, even to ask for information, because they think it means they are giving up. As a result, they end up having a few weeks, or even just days, of hospice care instead of the months of support to which they are entitled.

Hospice is the kind of care people say they want when the disease is not curable. It is palliative (comfort) care that is delivered to the patient wherever he or she resides. Hospice of the Panhandle also provides care to any enrolled patient, even if there is no insurance or financial ability to pay.

I am writing to urge people in Morgan County to break away from the myths about hospice and at the least to call for information. There is so much the team can do to help terminally ill people live until the last minute. But we are powerless if that person or loved ones do not call and request help.

The best way to get in touch is to call 304-264-0406 or 800-345-6538 and ask to speak with someone in the intake department.

Kathie Campbell
Hospice of the Panhandle, Inc.