WS Chronicle

By Judie Holcomb-Pack

One of the most difficult conversations we will ever have with a loved one is about their end of life choices. According to Laura Owen, Chief Executive Officer of Hospice of Davidson County, the conversation is really about “dying well,” or making the last months and weeks of a loved ones’ life as comfortable and full of joy as possible.

That’s where Hospice of Davidson County comes in. Whether it’s providing assistance to patients in their homes, helping them make the transition to the Hospice Home, or providing bereavement support after a loved one’s death, Hospice of Davidson County’s staff and volunteers are with that family every step of the way.

Compassionate Care

A recent tour of Hospice of Davidson County provided a glimpse into the compassionate services they provide on their beautiful campus in Lexington. The beautifully landscaped campus is immediately welcoming. There are sun rooms, porches with rockers, a meditation room, dining room, a children’s play area, and patient rooms, all bright and sunny, creating a peaceful environment.

Hospice of Davidson County has provided compassionate care for 30 years. Six years ago they built a new facility on 31 acres of rolling farm land in Lexington. They have over 100 employees on staff, including administrators, a medical director, nurse practitioner, registered nurses, hospice aides (CNAs), social workers, and chaplain. They are governed by a volunteer board of directors and are financially supported through Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance, as well as the United Way, and individual and corporate donations.

Hospice of Davidson does more than provide direct patient care in the Home Care program and its hospice inpatient home in Lexington; they also provide bereavement counseling for adults and youth, and grief support, and community support when a tragedy occurs that affects a community. Pet therapy is also part of their care plan and a patient’s dog or cat – and even a horse! – have visited, bringing joy to the patient.

Caring Across Boundaries

Robin Huneycutt, Hospice Marketing and Development Director, noted that living patterns are different now than they used to be. Many years ago, people lived in the same area most of their lives, but now families are more mobile and children often live far away from their parents. When a health problem arises, it can be complicated because family members are so spread out. Hospice of Davidson County wants to educate people in the Triad about the choices they have to care for their loved ones and provide peace of mind.

Some hospice providers, such as Hospice of Davidson County, are not-for-profit, while others are for-profit businesses. Not all hospice facilities are accredited, nor are their staff trained specifically in hospice care. Hospice of Davidson County is accredited by ACHC – Accreditation Commission of Healthcare and undergoes rigorous certification every three years.

Referrals

Most referrals to hospice are made by doctors when they believe the patient has a limited life expectancy, but there are some doctors who aren’t comfortable having that conversation with their patient. As Ms. Owen noted, “Doctors are trained to cure, not to provide comfort care. There is a shortage of physicians to provide hospice care, although hospice is a recognized medical specialty.” Sometimes the referral comes after a conversation with a hospital social worker, nurse, or comfort care nurse; however, anyone can make a referral to Hospice. There have been instances of self-referrals when someone has no immediate family or is homeless and needs the care of a hospice home.

The Decision

In deciding where to receive hospice care, consider these things:

*Is the facility a for-profit or not-for-profit operation?

*How long have they been in operation?

*Is there a medical director on staff?

*Are they accredited with ACHC and affiliated with credible associations?

*What is the skill level of the staff? Are they trained in hospice care?

*Are they able to fulfill all of your loved one’s wishes?

*Does the facility offer all the services that will be needed, including grief counseling and bereavement support?

*Do they have strong bonds and support within the community?

Have a Plan

Ms. Owen also encourages everyone to have a living will and advance directive, a document which specifies a person’s end-of-life wishes, which must be signed by two witnesses and notarized. These do not have to be prepared by an attorney, but are available at Hospice or found online.

Access to care for hospice services is important to Hospice of Davidson County. The cost is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, veterans insurance, and most insurance coverages; however, charity care is available when there is no other resource.

Preparing appropriately for the end of life journey is truly a final gift to loved ones. Hospice care provides comfort and compassion for both the patient and the family.

For more information about Hospice of Davidson County, go to HospiceOfDavidson.org or call 336-475-5444.