Originally published in the Lincoln Tribune, Feb. 19, 2008
As I begin our second column in the Tribune, I'd like to answer one of the most common questions about hospice. Please send your questions to asklinda@pchcv.org for future columns!
Q: Does hospice help people with diseases other than cancer?
A: Yes. Although many hospices were founded to help care for cancer patients, they are not limited to one disease. Today's hospices welcome people with any serious diagnosis: heart disease, kidney failure, Alzheimer's, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, lupus, leukemia, and dozens more. And many hospices are developing special programs of care for the most common diseases in America, like heart failure.
At my hospice, less than half the patients have cancer. I think that lower number comes from to two things. First, we are blessed to live in an age where we know more about cancer than ever before. Every year, we discover new and better treatments. People are living longer with cancer—or beating it entirely!
Second, since the 1990's there has been a national movement among hospices to open the doors wide to everyone who needs our help. Thousands of organizations have reached out to cardiologists, dialysis clinics, even newborn intensive care units to try to reach people in need.
No matter the diagnosis, the hospice care team — nurses, CNA's, social workers, counselors, and others — adapts their care to each person. Every disease is different, and every person's experience with a disease will be, too. The staff's top priority will be to lessen the patient's pain and/or symptoms. For example, a nurse working with someone with heart disease might focus on reducing chest pain, while an Alzheimer's patient might not have much pain but could need help with anxiety or restlessness.
By the way, hospices use every possible type of therapy to help lessen pain and symptoms — not just prescription drugs and medical equipment. Massage therapy is becoming much more common, as well as aromatherapy, music therapy, and pet therapy. Depending on the diagnosis, the hospice might also include diet or lifestyle coaching. Be sure to ask your hospice what additional therapies they offer.
Next week, I'll introduce you to two friends who once lived at our Hospice House—a 71-year-old grandpa and an 18-month-old girl. And don't forget to send me your questions!
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