Article in the Orlando Sentinel

Check out this article in the Orlando Sentinel. It talks about Art Buchwald and his hospice experience, but also goes into a discussion about why only half of eligible people actually use hospice. It is a good discussion starter. Here's my favorite paragraph:

Hospice is particularly effective in controlling pain and other symptoms associated with advanced illness. Practitioners are trained to respect the wishes of patients and families and to focus on care that achieves the highest possible quality of life. This is best accomplished when the patient and family have time to establish a relationship with the hospice providers, though, and it is much more difficult to do well when entry into hospice is just a few days prior to death.

I couldn't agree more! Hospice can help during your final days, but it is great during your final months. There is a huge difference.

(hat tip nhpco)