Sentara Hospice works around myths which are barriers to care
Jimmy Carter's decision to enter hospice opens opportunity for discussion
Joyce Whitley, 80, still lives in the house she and her late husband built in 1985, but she’s unaware of her surroundings. Mrs. Whitley has late-stage Alzheimer’s Disease and occupies a hospital bed in the living room.
A daughter, Debbie Nimmo, cares for her mother during the week. Her sisters, Tammy and Dana, cover weekends, with around-the-clock support from Sentara Hospice Services since May of last year.
“When she became bedbound and I could not take her to the doctor anymore, I knew I needed professional guidance,” says Debbie of the family’s decision to place Joyce in hospice. “It releases some of the stress. There’s a number we can call 24-hours-a-day for emergencies, and they’ll send somebody out.”
There are nurses to monitor her physical health and manage medications. An aide provides safe bathing. A social worker helps with practical needs. A chaplain is available if the family needs to talk. “I’ve learned a lot about how to care for my mother just by watching them work,” Debbie adds.
“I’d put a pillow under her feet right here to support her heels,” says Sentara nurse Cynthiyah Humphrey, after pulling up the covers and checking Joyce’s feet. “They’re getting a little red and we need to watch out for her skin.” Cynthiyah sees Joyce at least weekly and has a good handle on her behavior and medical status. “Her color looks nice,” Cynthiyah notes. “She looks good, and she’s focused on the room today.”
“It’s depressing and it’s physically hard and there’s sadness, but I don’t want to put my mother in a home,” Debbie says. “She was a sweet woman and a good Christian person, and her life is better with hospice care at home.” Patients with dementia are the fastest-growing population using hospice services.
Sentara Hospice Services currently serves more than 300 patients across Virginia. This includes Hampton Roads and Williamsburg, Halifax, Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Home-based care ensures comfort and convenience for patients and families, but services can also be provided in a hospital if they desire, or care becomes complex.
Hospice myths persist
President Jimmy Carter’s decision to enter home-based hospice offers an opportunity to discuss persistent myths that prevent families from choosing hospice for their loved ones. Here are some myths and realities about hospice.
Myth: Hospice care is only for those in the final days of life.
Reality: Hospice is advised for patients entering the final six months of life. Hospice care is about living as fully as possible with a life-limiting illness.
Myth: Hospice means you’re giving up.
Reality: Hospice is a protocol focused on pain management, symptom control, quality of life and emotional support by a multidisciplinary team.
Myth: Hospice is a place you go.
Reality: Most hospice care takes place in the home, which is the most frequent choice of patients and families.
Myth: Hospice is only for people with cancer.
Reality: Hospice serves patients facing any life-limiting illness. Patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia are the fastest growing hospice population.
Myth: Hospice is for the wealthy.
Reality: Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance plans. Most non-profit programs will support indigent patients, regardless of their ability to pay.
Learn more about Sentara hospice services.
A daughter, Debbie Nimmo, cares for her mother during the week. Her sisters, Tammy and Dana, cover weekends, with around-the-clock support from Sentara Hospice Services since May of last year.
“When she became bedbound and I could not take her to the doctor anymore, I knew I needed professional guidance,” says Debbie of the family’s decision to place Joyce in hospice. “It releases some of the stress. There’s a number we can call 24-hours-a-day for emergencies, and they’ll send somebody out.”
There are nurses to monitor her physical health and manage medications. An aide provides safe bathing. A social worker helps with practical needs. A chaplain is available if the family needs to talk. “I’ve learned a lot about how to care for my mother just by watching them work,” Debbie adds.
“I’d put a pillow under her feet right here to support her heels,” says Sentara nurse Cynthiyah Humphrey, after pulling up the covers and checking Joyce’s feet. “They’re getting a little red and we need to watch out for her skin.” Cynthiyah sees Joyce at least weekly and has a good handle on her behavior and medical status. “Her color looks nice,” Cynthiyah notes. “She looks good, and she’s focused on the room today.”
“It’s depressing and it’s physically hard and there’s sadness, but I don’t want to put my mother in a home,” Debbie says. “She was a sweet woman and a good Christian person, and her life is better with hospice care at home.” Patients with dementia are the fastest-growing population using hospice services.
Sentara Hospice Services currently serves more than 300 patients across Virginia. This includes Hampton Roads and Williamsburg, Halifax, Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Home-based care ensures comfort and convenience for patients and families, but services can also be provided in a hospital if they desire, or care becomes complex.
Hospice myths persist
President Jimmy Carter’s decision to enter home-based hospice offers an opportunity to discuss persistent myths that prevent families from choosing hospice for their loved ones. Here are some myths and realities about hospice.
Myth: Hospice care is only for those in the final days of life.
Reality: Hospice is advised for patients entering the final six months of life. Hospice care is about living as fully as possible with a life-limiting illness.
Myth: Hospice means you’re giving up.
Reality: Hospice is a protocol focused on pain management, symptom control, quality of life and emotional support by a multidisciplinary team.
Myth: Hospice is a place you go.
Reality: Most hospice care takes place in the home, which is the most frequent choice of patients and families.
Myth: Hospice is only for people with cancer.
Reality: Hospice serves patients facing any life-limiting illness. Patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia are the fastest growing hospice population.
Myth: Hospice is for the wealthy.
Reality: Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance plans. Most non-profit programs will support indigent patients, regardless of their ability to pay.
Learn more about Sentara hospice services.