Hospice World
For someone that is living outside of America this term is not an option. Hospice is not provided. They don’t even know what Hospice entitles you to. You must be confused reading this, but I am telling you the truth. American people have so many services at their hands that are unfortunate not to utilize it and just make the best of it.
Sounds vague, but really, life is so unpredictable and once you are diagnosed with a terminal illness you should be seeking options available to make your life easier.
This brings me back to 2017 when all of it started.
Two brothers that lost their father long time ago, now they have only their mother living. They are adults and have their own families with children and grandchildren. Their mother lives on her own, independent with activities of daily living but requires help with buying groceries and drive to the doctors. As years go by, she is more confused, forgetful, lost noticeable weight and has a bleeding disorder. At the time everyone was thinking its hereditary and ‘’not a big deal’’ as she would have at certain times a bloody nose. Not to mention, she was managing her own medications, yet her cognitive status was declining. Doctors would tell her she is anemic, but no one took their time to investigate further as she is “old” (73) and she never complained, so they assumed she was okay. Until one day, she started bleeding internally and was rushed to the nearby Hospital. One brother wanted to keep her home, as he said her wish was to die at home, where other wanted to listen to the doctor who said – she may be saved if you make it to the Hospital and they give her a transfusion.
She died in the Hospital days later
Moral of this story is to educate yourself on Hospice philosophy and its benefits. This story may involve cultural differences too, but it all comes down to the education and understanding. This can be anyone anywhere. Recognize early symptoms of an individual decline and seek appropriate diagnoses as well as the help that you are entitled to. Respect your loved one wish and do not think what you would want for them, think what they would want for themselves at this time. Allow them to pass in the comfort of their own home when the time comes with nurses at their bedside. Do not be selfish. Accept. Yes, I know it is hard, but it’s that much easier to understand how the process is happening, then live with a guilt that you could’ve done more (when in reality no one could).