"Let me tell you about Hospice"

 

It has been a big discovery to me that Hospice is such a wonderful resource. I was afraid of signing on to Hospice at first, and now I know it was the right thing. I’ve asked Hospice to let me tell you why it was such a good idea for me. Perhaps, if you are thinking about Hospice, you will find what I have to say helpful or reassuring.

 

At first, I was afraid of getting involved with Hospice, because I thought it was for people who would die soon. I thought, I don’t want to die!!, so I avoided all the talk about Hospice. But my sister encouraged me. She said, 'Let’ s just listen to what they have to say.'

 

There were several people who came to talk to me. They said I didn't have to make a commitment if I didn’t want to, and I could stop at any time. They came right to my house, and they were so helpful from the moment they walked in. They gave me a lot of information, support, and even equipment to help make life easier. By learning about Hospice, I found out that I didn't have to die right away, and they were available to help me live -- live more comfortably, live more safely, and live more happily.

 

There is so much more about Hospice than I realized. For example, my nurse helped get my medications regulated to ease some symptoms that were giving me trouble.

 

She knew exactly what to do. Now I have the right dosage for the symptoms I’m having now, and she’s always watching to be sure that it stays right.

 

And the staff!! They are terrific. Each one who comes has a different job, but they all talk to each other, so they know how I’m doing when they come. I have a wonderful volunteer, too, who comes to just help, in whatever way she can, to make things easier.

 

Hospice is helping me do as much as I possibly can, and that means a lot to me. When you get the diagnosis of cancer, and as the disease progresses, you are so afraid, because you just don’t know what is coming next. This has been like a gift in many ways, because I have been able to do more, enjoy more, and live better since I have been with Hospice.

 

Hospice has helped me very much. I just didn’t know how much help they could be, for me, and for others. For me, Hospice is an example of God’s love at just the right time."