The Hospice Philosophy
by Barbara Murphy

As a nation, Americans are obsessed with youth. Most do not like to think about the end of life, and even fewer know how to prepare for it. However, Hospice, Inc. provides programs and services to help individuals and their families deal with this powerful experience.

Many people view death as simply a physical process, but it is more than that. Dying affects not only the body, but also the mind and the spirit. It has a profound impact not only upon those directly affected, but also on family members and friends.

For nearly thirty years, Hospice has been providing care to the Dutchess and Ulster communities. "Our philosophy at Hospice, Inc. has always been one of affirming life by providing compassionate care for those at the end of life, which includes an improved quality of life, freedom from pain and discomfort and living with dignity," said Benjamin Walker, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, Hospice, Inc. "Our nationally recognized programs offer practical, emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families."

Once a person chooses Hospice services, an individual care plan is developed with input from the patient, family members and the patient's physician. During the initial visit by a Hospice nurse, this plan is explained, and it is continually updated by the patient's physician, Hospice, Inc.'s medical director and the clinical-care team.

"Treatments provided by Hospice are designed to improve the quality of the patient's life by controlling pain and other symptoms," explained Walker. "We also offer practical help to the patient and family members, including illness-related medications, medical supplies and equipment, inpatient hospital care, social workers, pastoral care, respite care and volunteer assistance."

Most, if not all, Hospice-care expenses are covered by major insurance plans, Medicare or Medicaid. Care can be provided in the patient's home, all area hospitals, and nine local nursing homes.

A Hospice nurse is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to accommodate the patient's and/or family's needs. "Our social workers can help cut through the red tape and find services that the patient and family may require," Walker said. "Our chaplains are available to provide spiritual guidance to help everyone deal with their feelings during this difficult time."

Hospice, Inc. is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), a national agency that reviews healthcare organizations throughout the United States, and is subject to a comprehensive review every two years. Last year's JCAHO's review resulted in Hospice, Inc.'s receiving a score of 100 percent, far exceeding the national average.

Originally Hospice, Inc. was an all-volunteer organization. When Hospice received certification from the Department of Health, professionals joined the volunteer staff. Today, volunteers continue to play a vital role in all aspects of the care and services provided by Hospice, Inc.

"Volunteers who interact with patients and their families are required to complete a 27-hour training course so that they understand the special needs of those at the end of life and their families," Walker said. "Once trained, these volunteers work with the patient's care team to provide practical assistance to help ease the burden on the patient and/or care givers."

This assistance may include visiting with the patient so that the care giver has an opportunity to take care of other matters; doing errands; reading to the patient; or helping with correspondence--to name just a few activities.

Most families who have used Hospice, Inc.'s services indicate that they wish that they had taken advantage of this support system sooner than they did because of the benefits that Hospice provided to the family as a whole.

According to Walker, the Hospice philosophy and benefits can be summed up in the words of a family member who said, "I used to think that Hospice was about dying--now I know it's about living."

Barbara M. Murphy is the public affairs officer for Hospice, Inc., which has offices in Poughkeepsie, Kingston, and at Ellenville Regional Hospital.