November’s Dedication: Remembrance, Mercy, and Anticipation

November is a dark, wet, dreary month.  We dedicate November to remember loved ones who died this past year.  But, November is also when we honor the thousands of nurses aids, home health care aids, nurses, chaplains, and social workers who have chosen a MOST NOBLE work path, while performing the 6th Corporal  Work of Mercy:  Caring for the sick and dying. November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.

I intentionally delayed using the word “hospice”. Hospice evokes a wide range of emotions, and fears. Please keep reading as I attempt to describe the many benefits of hospice care, greatest of which is the full support of professional caregivers.

Your first knowledge of hospice may come as a surprise, from the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 10; the Good Samaritan.  The Good Samaritan took the injured man to an inn, and paid the innkeeper to care for him.  Inns were frequently used as emergency health facilities. The modern concept of “hospice” began evolving in the 11th century.  Hospice care was introduced to America in the 1970s.  In 1982 Congress added hospice care as a provision to the Medicare Act.  Since 1982 hospice care techniques have evolved into the incredible care program it is today.

What is hospice care?  Hospice and palliative care focus on the patient’s comfort, care, and quality of life for the sick and their families.  Source: National Institute on Aging

Hospice care is free, it comes with a “team” of providers including a “charge nurse”, a health care aide for bathing and showering; options for a social worker and chaplain.  Most hospice facilities have a licensed massage therapist and music therapist.

NOTE: The family and patient remain in charge of services at all times.  Even if hospice is desired to be ended, you remain in control.

A person is “eligible” for hospice only when a doctor makes a diagnosis of a terminal disease and the patient is expected to live less than six months.  (I’ve had patients live for over two years on hospice care).  A patient and family should elect hospice care sooner than later, in order to benefit from all the high quality services the hospice team WILL provide.  Remember, people on hospice have a condition that will lead to death.  Take help sooner rather than later.  It is also a fact nearly 30% of hospice patients choose to die in their own homes.

When the patient dies, it is mandated the hospice agency “offer” grief support for up to 13 months.  The grief support staff and volunteers are trained to recognize the wide and individual nature of one’s grief process.

NOTE: Deacon Gregg was a full-time hospice chaplain for 6 ½ years of providing care.

Advent is upon us, a four-week season dedicated to reflective preparation for the arrival, Advent, of Jesus Christ.  Advent begins December 1 this year.  (Where did the year go?)  Christians around the globe celebrate Advent and Christmas in many different ways.  A fun family activity might be to research how different cultures prepare for the coming of the ONE LORD, JESUS CHRIST!

Australia: Christians celebrate Advent and Christmas during their summer months, yes on the beaches!

Hong Kong: Christmas is still an official Holiday; December 26 is Boxer Day, a British tradition from the colonial days.

How do they celebrate Christmas in Kenya; in Germany; in Ecuador?

Your research may offer some fun new traditions for your family.

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