No one likes to think about death and dying, but it’s something that each of us will eventually face. There’s an incredible resource in our community that provides comfort, dignity and respect to all those coping with a serious or life-limiting illness. It’s hospice.

As the administrator of Hospice Advantage, I speak for our entire staff when I say we truly are proud to be a part of this community — providing improved access to care, increasing the understanding of hospice and educating citizens with the information they need to make informed decisions about their treatment options.

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time to reach out to our community to raise awareness about the compassionate care that hospice provides. Though hospice helps those with life- limiting or serious illness, the true gift of hospice is that it helps patients and families focus on living.

The hospice team provides expert medical care to keep patients comfortable and allows them to enjoy time with loved ones. The hospice team answers questions, offers advice on what to expect, and helps families with the duties of being a caregiver. The team also provides emotional and spiritual support for the entire family.

Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid in most states and by most insurance plans and HMOs. Hospice care is provided in the home, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and long term care centers.

Hospice care is available to people of all ages, with any illness. Hospice professionals and trained volunteers will ask you what’s important and listen to what you say. They make your wishes a priority.

If you or a loved one is facing a serious or life-limiting illness, the time to find out more about hospice is right now.

– Sheri Burdell, RN BSN
Hospice Advantage EAMC / Bethany House