The challenges of facing terminal illness are a reality that many individuals and their families will encounter at some point in their lives. When considering hospice care, thoughts of comfort and dignity often arise, yet there are prevalent misconceptions surrounding this specialized form of care.
Ogeechee Area Hospice (OAH) is actively dispelling the myths associated with hospice care, emphasizing that it is a positive resource. The approach to end-of-life care is crucial, and hospice plays a significant role in helping individuals manage pain, find peace, and enhance both the duration and quality of their remaining life, thereby alleviating much of the suffering and anxiety experienced by those with terminal illnesses.
Hospice is fundamentally a care philosophy rather than a physical location. While some hospices, like OAH, have inpatient facilities, the majority of care is delivered at the patient’s place of residence, whether that may be at home, in a nursing facility, or an assisted living facility. In cases where individuals are unable to live independently or lack family support, residing at OAH is an option.
Moreover, OAH emphasizes that hospice is not exclusive to cancer patients or the elderly; it is available to individuals with various terminal conditions such as heart disease, COPD, AIDS, Alzheimer’s, or ALS.
Cissy Daniel, a social worker at OAH, highlights the unfortunate consequence of people not exploring hospice care due to misconceptions, leading to delayed interventions. Contrary to common belief, hospice initiation does not solely depend on a doctor’s referral; individuals and their families can proactively inquire about hospice services to determine eligibility, which is then confirmed through a physician’s assessment.
Once eligibility is established, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted by a nurse to determine the required level of care, subject to approval by the medical director. An interdisciplinary team comprising nurses, social workers, chaplains, aides, and the OAH Medical Director, Dr. Angela Gerguis, collaborates to address the holistic needs of each patient.
The care provided by this team aims to shift the focus from hospital settings to the comfort of home or the hospice facility, ensuring that the patient’s primary care physician remains involved in the treatment process.
Hospice care extends beyond medical interventions, offering support to both patients and their families as they navigate the challenges associated with terminal illnesses and end-of-life experiences.
Counseling services, including faith-based guidance facilitated by chaplains, are integral to the care provided at OAH, aiding patients in finding spiritual solace during their journey.
In addition to symptom management, addressing emotional distress is paramount, as emotional pain can be as debilitating as physical suffering. OAH accommodates individuals of diverse spiritual backgrounds, providing a tranquil environment for reflection and solace.
The care teams at OAH assist patients in resolving any unresolved matters, facilitating connections with estranged family members, arranging visits from distant relatives, or organizing virtual meetings for those unable to be physically present.
For inpatient care, OAH allows patients to be accompanied by their pets, offering additional comfort during their final days. Therapy dogs are also brought in to provide emotional support, benefiting many individuals under hospice care.
Families are not overlooked in the care process, with hospice programs offering respite services to caregivers, bereavement support for up to 13 months post-loss, and community memorial events to honor and remember loved ones collectively.
The dedication and compassion exhibited by the team at OAH exemplify the essence of hospice care, providing solace to individuals with life-limiting conditions and offering support to their families during the end-of-life transition.
Ogeechee Area Hospice operates as a non-profit organization, with its specialized care facility’s construction made possible through generous donations from the local community. Regardless of financial circumstances, OAH ensures that every patient in need receives the necessary hospice care through various funding sources.
The commitment of individuals like Tinker Lanier, Cissy Daniel, and the entire OAH team underscores the significance of compassionate end-of-life care in promoting comfort and dignity for patients and their families.
For more insights on dispelling common myths about hospice care and understanding the facts, refer to the pamphlet provided below.
