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I will never forget the morning of September 17, 2001. My late husband was in the hospital, and I was told I could take him home. When the nurse asked which hospice I wanted to use, I remember just standing there looking at her. I did not have a clue. I am sure that at that time in my life, I was in the mind frame of so many people, and that is, “hospice is hospice.” I had no idea that it would even matter which hospice I was given. Needless to say, I have learned a lot, and I have learned that it matters. The location of the hospice agency and staff of a patient’s home is vital for quick response time. The area a particular hospice covers (especially on-call nurses) is crucial. The passion for the work they do will reflect upon the care your loved one receives. I also believe, because of my experiences with my husband, that it is crucial to consider hospice services early, as it can significantly improve the quality of life for the patient and their loved ones.

September 17, 2001, marked my 30th wedding anniversary and my first personal encounter with hospice. Reflecting on that time, I realize we gain much from our past experiences. The most difficult times can make us grow, gain compassion and empathy, and find a strength we never knew we had. Through my experiences with my late husband, I have realized how precious life is and that life is not always easy. But through our hardships, we gain insight into whom we are and what we want to do with our lives. I have changed much throughout my life, and I realize that we are allowed to grow, become a better person, and help others every day. I am sure there are still many lessons ahead of me, and I will try my best to allow all of them to shape me and make me more kind, open, forgiving, and genuinely empathetic to those around me, for I know that not one of us has the promise of tomorrow. My experience with hospice has transformed me into a hospice advocate, and I hope it inspires you to find your own path of advocacy.

As part of the hospice community, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive hospice education to medical professionals and the public. When a patient is facing an advanced life-limiting illness/disease and curative measures have proven ineffective, hospice professionals collaborate with physicians, hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities to ensure that patients and families in need of hospice care are fully informed about the philosophy, benefits, and services available for end-of-life care. Hospice is not just about ‘end-of-life’ care; it is a profound celebration and honor of life. It is crucial that we all have a comprehensive understanding of hospice, as it empowers us to make informed decisions and provide the best care for our loved ones.

When we receive a call from a patient or family member asking about hospice, we consider it a privilege to speak with them about the benefits, services, and criteria. To initiate a call, dial our number, and one of our staff members will guide you through the process. However, before we can evaluate or admit a patient, we must have an order from their physician permitting us to do so. We will call the physician for the patient, or the patient or a family member can initiate the call. The physician or his office staff will usually telephone the hospice office with a referral for evaluation and admission if the physician feels the patient may meet the established Medicare criteria.

Regrettably, for us many years ago, we were not given the choice of hospice until the very end. As I later told my husband’s oncologist, we needed it months before we were given the choice. It would have been much better for all of us to have spent the last months living and loving instead of the weariness of coming and going in and out of the ER, doctor’s offices, and hospitals. Because there was no cure for his disease – the outcome would have been the same. However, with hospice care, we could have managed his pain more effectively, provided emotional support, and ensured he was comfortable at home. I would have much rather spent it at home with him. Hospice care is not about giving up, but about making the most of the time we have left, with comprehensive pain management and emotional support.

If you have questions concerning the services, benefits, and criteria for hospice admission, please feel free to call me (334-892-4123) or the hospice of your choice. Also, please speak to your physician if you or your loved one has an advanced terminal illness/disease and wish to change your focus from curative measures to palliative measures (pain and symptom control). Hospice’s focus is on comfort, not curing.

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou

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