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Getting The Help Needed

© Lauren Parthun

My mom passed away over fourteen years ago, of colon cancer. The last few months of her life were very hard emotionally and physically for me. She died at the hospital and received the best care possible. This article is about getting the help needed for the terminally ill patient, and the family. I didn't know about Hospice when my mother was sick. Today I know that it can be a very valuable resource for patients and their families. The following information is from the National Cancer Institute, Fact Sheet 8.6:

HOSPICE

Hospice is a concept of care that involves health professionals and volunteers who provide medical, psychological, and spiritual support to termunally ill patients and their loved ones. Hospice stresses quality of life-peace, comfort, and dignity. A principal aim of hospice is to control pain and other symptoms so the patient can remain as alert and comfortable as possible. Hospice services are available to persons who no longer benefit from curative treatment; the typical hospice patient has a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Hospice programs provide them with the assistance and support they need

The following resources may offer assistance for people seeking hospice care and information:

The National Hospice Organization (NHO) is dedicated to promoting and maintaing quality care for terminally ill persons and their families, and to make hospice an integral part of the U.S. health care system. The NHO can provide general hospice information and information about hospice services in different areas.

Address: Suite 901 1901 North Moore Street Arlington, VA 22209-1714

Telephone: 703-243-5900 1-800-658-8898

Web Site: http://www.nho.org

The Hospice Association of America (HAA) can provide facts and statistics about hospice programs, and can also supply the publication "Information About Hospice: A Consumer's Guide" This guide offers information about the advantages and financial aspects of hospice, how to select quality hospice care that is best suited for a patient's needs, and state resources available to patients.

Address: 228 Seventh Street, SE. Washington, D.C. 20003

Telephone: 202-546-4759

Web site: http://www.nahc.org/HAA/home.html

The Hospice Education Institute offers information and referrals on various hospice programs around the country and provides regional seminars on hospice care throughout the United States. Comments or suggestions about hospice programs are also welcome from health professionals and hospice volunteers.

Address: 190 Westbrook Road Essex, CT 06426-1510

Telephone: 860-767-1620 1-800-331-1620

E-mail: HOSPICEALL@aol.com

Web site: http://wwww.hospiceworld.org

The American Cancer Society (ACS) offers a varity of services to hospice patients and their families. The ACS has free fact sheets and publications about hospice as well. The address of a local ACS chapter may be obtained by calling their toll-free telephone number.

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