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When a disease has advanced and curative measures have not resulted in the expected hoped-for cures, hospice care will provide an alternative to the treatments focused on life-prolonging measures, offering relief and comfort to families and caregivers. Hospice is an alternative to aggressive treatment, with invasive testing and medication that may often cause more symptoms. In other words, even with palliative care programs that several hospice agencies offer, it is hospice that focuses on pain and symptoms and attends to their patient’s and families’ emotional and spiritual needs as the end-of-life approaches.

While the end-of-life journey can be difficult and exhausting, it can also be a time of tranquility. I have seen estranged family members receive forgiveness and old heart wounds healed. I have been humbled and honored as I’ve listened to memories mixed with laughter and tears. I’ve been a part of making that sought-after trip become a reality for patients and families. I’ve been a part of families rejoicing for their mothers to be able to get their pain and symptom medications and not have to get half a prescription filled or, because of the cost, not have it filled at all. With the Medicare Hospice Respite benefit, I’ve seen caregivers take much-needed time to rest or have the time to attend to their own personal or medical needs.

I acknowledge that accepting your or your loved one as hospice-appropriate is not easy. ‘Hospice-appropriate’ refers to a situation where the focus of care shifts from curative treatments to comfort care, typically when a person has a life expectancy of six months or less. Most often, accepting hospice is a heart-wrenching experience because it means accepting that, unless there is a miracle, life as we know it is going to change. However, I believe, according to the Bible, in Hebrews 9:27, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Therefore, as life’s only certainty, death is never more than one heartbeat away.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. If you have questions or need guidance, please get in touch with a hospice advocate. Hospice advocates are trained professionals who provide information, support, and reassurance, helping you make the best decisions for you and your loved ones. They can assist with understanding the hospice process, navigating the healthcare system, and providing emotional support during this challenging time.

“As Estha stirred the thick jam he thought Two Thoughts and the Two Thoughts he thought were these: a) Anything can happen to anyone. and b) It is best to be prepared.” —Arundhati Roy, “The God of Small Things”

— Vickie C. Wacaster is a patient and hospice advocate with Aveanna Hospice.