As we approach a new year (already!), many of you might be
thinking about resolutions. Every year, we welcome a new year with
expectations, goals, resolutions. “I resolve to save more money.” “This year is
the year I will lose that extra 10 pounds.” “I resolve to be less addicted to
Facebook.”
In hospice, we set goals too, and we encourage our patients
to consider what their goals are. These goals are the things that will give us
hope at the end of life. The hospice team, the nurses and social workers and
chaplains, go in and they ask patients, what do you want for the end of your
life? They ask you to define your wishes, your goals, and they strive to create
a care plan that achieves what you want.
What does a hospice patient’s goal look like? “My goal is to
die without pain and in peace.” “My hope is that my family is taken care of
after I am gone.” “I want to leave this world without any anger or regrets.”
These resolutions emphasize the quality of our life . They emphasize respecting
our dignity and individuality, our beliefs, and they give us comfort in the
final phase of life.
There’s a terrible myth out there that by choosing hospice
care, people are giving up. Defining our goals for the end of life, though,
helps us realize that we’re not giving up. We can still accomplish something
during the end of life journey, and choosing hospice care means letting a team
of people support you and help you accomplish your final life goals. So far, during
my short time working in hospice, I have heard wonderful stories from hospice
professionals about reuniting families, providing much-needed relief and
support to primary caregivers, and supporting hospice patients and loved ones
through the end of life journey into a peaceful death. That is our goal—to
provide you and your loved ones with superior hospice care.
What are your goals for the end of life? How can hospice
services help you achieve those goals?
By Carrie Bui, Communications Specialist
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