Red Bluff Daily News Special Publications
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In medieval times, a hospice was a place of shelter and rest for trav- elers who were weary or ill. Today, hospice is a type of care rather than a specific place. It's the special care given to patients with life-limiting illnesses who are nearing the end of their life's journey. North State residents have access to this compassionate end-of-life care through Mercy Hospice in Redding, St. Elizabeth Hospice in Red Bluff, and Mercy Hospice Mt. Shasta. All three organiza- tions are committed to providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support and care to patients during their last six months of life, regard- less of their financial situation. What does hospice offer? "We consider hospice a continua- tion of life," says James Vogus, MD, FAAFP, HMDC, Medical Director for Mercy Hospice in Redding and St. Elizabeth Hospice. "And we fo- cus on meeting the patient's goals regarding quality of life. We often say, 'You can't always cure—but you can always care.'" To enhance quality of life, Dignity Health North State hospice care always includes: � Pain management and symptom control at whatever level the patient desires � Care from skilled hospice nurses � Emotional and spiritual support from chaplains and social workers � Help in planning for legal needs According to Kristine Neel, RN, BSN, Hospice Manager at Mercy Medi- cal Center Mt. Shasta, "Hospice enables people to die in the com- fort of home—surrounded by those they love. Hospice supports what every person deserves: quality and dignity at the end of life." Dignity at home Hospice care usually takes place where people are most comfortable: at home. "It's wonderful to see people spending time with their families who may not have been able to, had their symptoms not been controlled," says Charlotte Haisch, RN, MBA, Director of Home Health and Hospice Care for Mercy Medical Center Redding and St. Elizabeth Community Hospital. And even though most patients are at home, there is always someone from hospice they can call, 24/7. Despite its many benefits, hospice is frequently a last-minute choice. "When people come on hospice service sooner, we can do so much more to prepare them," Dr. Vogus says. "Probably the most com- mon thing we hear is, 'I wish I had chosen hospice sooner.'" Before you need hospice "Learn now what hospice is, before a crisis," Haisch says. "Whether you're in our service area or not, please call us for information." HOSPICE CARE Peace of mind at the end of life Learn more Mercy Hospice in Redding: 530.245.4070 St. Elizabeth Hospice in Red Bluff: 530.528.4207 Mercy Hospice Mt. Shasta: 530.926.6111, ext. 455 Tehama County Medical Guide- 2015 19 HOSPICE CARE