by Sara A Broers

Created on: July 14, 2008

Hospice is a wonderful organization that will wrap you and your family around them as you endure the loss of a loved one. How will you know when it is time for Hospice to become involved with your family? When a terminal illness has taken over the body of your loved one or your loved one has a body that has worn out. In the elderly, there are signs that will indicate that their bodies have ran their course. If getting out of bed is virtually impossible, blood transfusions are no longer helping, or your loved one is talking about seeing the light along with conversations of family members that have passed on before them. You may find this difficult to understand, but you will know when it is time.

Acceptance is the first step. As difficult as this task may seem, you will need to accept the fact that your loved one is no longer themselves. Hospice can become involved when a physician has determined that they need spiritual help and are not expected to improve physically over the course of the next six months. Is Hospice permanent? No, Hospice is not permanent for everyone. Sometimes people do get stronger and the Hospice support is no longer needed. Should Hospice be needed again on down the road, they will be there for them.

By accepting the fact that it is time for Hospice, your family will be on a journey of faith. Hospice can assist in your loved one's home or nursing home. If your loved one is still coherent, be sure to include them in this process. Just recently my friend lost her father in law to lung cancer and three days before his death he helped make the decision to move himself to an inpatient room at Hospice. His cancer was inoperable, his body worn out, and he knew that he was ready. God works in mysterious ways, as I do wonder how and why people know when there so called time on Earth is up. But in all reality, who would want to live in a body that no longer functions? Just the idea of giving up independence in regards to self care would be difficult in itself.

These people that work in the line of Hospice work are true angels. They are a great resource when it comes time for an explanation of what the dying process is and how it works. I have watched three Grandmothers go through this dying process. I am truly amazed at how the body works, as it takes a lot of work to continue breathing the last few hours of life. The body is amazing as it works so hard when it seems as though all hope is gone. Sometimes people hang on for that one moment which is different for everyone. The nurses that work at the inpatient units work in ways that seem magical. As my Grandmother seemed to no longer be coherent, she began to drool, and a Hospice nurse knew exactly what to do and how to make her comfortable. This simple act of compassion showed more love than I ever imagined a nurse could ever show.

Hospice workers are full of empathy and support the family through the care they give their loved one. Something as simple as repositioning the body to eliminate bed sores is an act of kindness that will be treasured by family members. Hospice supports the ability to pass away with dignity and to not suffer through pain. Supporting the family is what Hospice is about. Hospice will support you and your family throughout the dying process. Hospice will continue to provide counseling and any other support your family may need after your loved one has passed on. You will need to be proactive and accept their support should you need it. A journey with Hospice will be a life changing experience, one that you will be glad that you took part in as the years go on.

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