These are just some of the many responses we received
from our Editorial of 02/21/07
- Henry and Grace
Again I write to thank you for a delightful
article. I have worked with Hospice of the Rapidan
for over 11 years now and what thrilled to see your
article about hospice this month.
The main things that keep people
from inviting hospice into their homes are:
-
Lack of education - the
general public thinks that hospice is only for
people who are bedbound and actively dying.
-
Fear of what it means when
hospice is recommended (they are going to die)
-
Lack of support and
education by the physician.
Education is a constant battle.
People don't listen to information about hospice
services until they have needed it for a long time.
Hopefully your article has
encouraged some people to at least call their local
hospice to find out how we can help them.
Thanks again!
Betsy Tuttle RN
Hospice of the Rapidan
Hello Gary –
I am touched that you wrote to
well about your parents’ friends – you too will
grieve their loss, and have been grieving the
progressive illness too. We read your column here in
Wellington, NZ where we provide support, advocacy
and education to families in which one has a major
mental illness.
I have a lovely woman in my one
Support Groups, whose husband is depressed and
withdrawn and two children have major mental
illnesses – she supports them all as well as
grandchildren, and now has Parkinson’s – this is a
sad situation, but she finds compassion and her wry
humor is always evident.
Thanks for your efforts
Elaine
I just wanted to express
my gratitude to the Vitas organization in Houston.
They were the Hospice responsible for my husband
during his last days. They were kind, helpful and
continued to care for me after his death.
I also experienced another group
for my mother. She had constant care in her room
for two days. The lady who stayed during the day
cleaned her fingernails after I mentioned that I
couldn't get them clean. My mother died with loving
professionals who were there to meet the needs she
encountered during her last hours.
In both cases, I was blessed
with care for my loved ones that I could not give.
Judi Walker
