"You matter because you are you, and you matter until the last moment of your life. We will do all we can not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die."
Cicely Saunders
Below are some resources that we hope you will find useful. If you have any questions at all regarding your personal situation you can contact us at 909.963.0992
History
Modern hospice is a relatively new concept and was pioneered by Dame Cicely Saunders who wrote the above quote.
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She introduced the idea of not just physical pain, but emotional, spiritual, and social distress in patients and worked to establish the culture of palliative care to address "total pain".
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She treated each patient as an individual and was a strong proponent of dignity, compassion and respect as well as effective pain management.
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If you you're so inclined take a look at this brief history over at Understand Hospice, a short read that will give you insight to the intention behind hospice care.
Eligibility
You or a loved one have a life limiting terminal illness. This means that if the illness progresses as it should, it is likely you or your loved one has 6 months or less to live.
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Your doctor can make a prognosis and a referral for hospice.
A prognosis is a prediction about how the illness will develop.
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You can request a hospice evaluation if you do not already have a referral.
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The hopsice will send out someone to confirm the terminal status of the illness. At that time a patient can be admitted
Advance Directive
An Advance Directive is also known as a Living Will. An advance directive is your opportunity to put in writing your wishes regarding medical treatment should you be unable to make those decisions yourself.
Discussing your wishes regarding medical care with your family and friends can be a difficult conversation, but it ensures they understand what you would like to happen in various situations and relieves the stress of guessing what you would want.
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You will authorize someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf, should the need arise, they will act as your medical power of attorney. This person should be comfortable with making medical decisions for you and understand your wishes regarding medical treatment.
Your advance directive will only be used if you have been certified by two physicians as:
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Unable to make your own decisions
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In the medical state described in the directive (for example "terminally ill")
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Click here for the National Palliative and Hospice Care Organization's California Advance Directive. This can serve as a guide and be printed and filled out.
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