Home Matters
“You matter because you are you. You matter to the end of your life. We can do all we can not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die. “ — Cicely Saunders.
That was a quote from Cicely Saunders, Dame and founder of the modern hospice. In 1964, she introduced her idea of “Total Pain,” meaning the comprehensive description of pain covers physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of distress. “Total Pain” later became the key term within hospice and the broader specialty of palliative and end-of-life care. Her philosophy of focusing on patients’ continual and chronic pain rather than the patients’ acute pain events has changed many modern medical practices.
Hospice care is a special care that focuses on the patient’s quality of life. While treating terminal illness, many people experience acute pain and other stress. Thus, the hospice philosophy is to accept the final stage of life and treat more about the person than the disease itself. Most of the hospice environments are “home”-like. Care centers encourage patients to bring personal items to their rooms. Each room also has a hangout space for family and friends get-together or even spent a night.
Home care, with a similar philosophy, allows patients to stay in their homes. It might be for older adults, patients with chronic illness, or patients recovering from the surgery to receive care in their homes.
Regardless of which environment the patient receives their treatment, all care requires a team of professionals to work together to manage symptoms to maximize patients’ comfort. So their last days could be spent with dignity and quality.
“How people die remains in the memory of those who live on…”
Again, Ms. Saunders’ wisdom, like a sounding alarm, reminded us that enhancing patients’ grace matters not only for the patients but also for the families and friends around them. Studying palliative care’s philosophy and reading Dame Saunders’ life story reminded us of a WELL feature.
“Support the overall health and wellbeing of individuals and their families by offering comprehensive health benefits, policy, and services.” — WELL C06, Health Service and Benefit
It is the time to share our awareness of patients’ comfort and acknowledge healthcare professionals for their remarkable contribution to making a quality life for patients and their families. On this Home Care and Hospice month, we dedicate this card to those who contribute to the patient’s environment. Thank them for making humane spaces, whether it is care at home or a home-like facility.
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By the way… Even though all hospice centers offer a “home-like” environment, the building is considered an Institutional group use because this kind of facility requires medical care and a supervised setting on a 24-hour basis.
Ideally, in a hospice or “home-like” care environment, a few design considerations could help with patients, such as large windows, short walking distance, therapeutic landscape, or easy way-finding.
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- According to the Medicare official website, Hospice care is a Medicare benefit taxpayers have earned. The hospice benefit covers care for patients’ terminal illnesses and related conditions. Once the patient gets hospice care, original Medicare will cover everything they need related to their terminal illness. You can download the benefit booklet at medicare.gov.
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