Learn About Options During Hospice Month

Talking about end-of-life care is not easy for any family, but it is a necessary part of life. November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month and MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital is helping Hospice of St. Mary’s County to urge residents to learn the importance of planning for the care they would want it they were facing a serious or life-limiting illness.

“One of the things we hear from families again and again is ‘why didn’t we learn about hospice care earlier,’” said Dr. Jennifer Schmidt, medical director of Hospice of St. Mary’s. “The best time to learn about hospice or palliative care is before you are facing a medical crisis.”

Palliative care and hospice combine high-quality medical care with the much-needed emotional and spiritual support when facing a serious or terminal illness. Palliative care gives support and comfort earlier in the course of a serious illness. Hospice brings family caregivers and patients high-quality, compassionate care and support when a cure is not possible. Together, the two can help people live each moment of life to the fullest.

When a family discusses advance care planning, loved ones ensure they are clear about the care they would and would not want. They can then complete an advance directive to document and share those wishes with others.

During November, Hospice of St. Mary’s has been joining organizations across the nation hosting activities to help the community understand how important hospice and palliative care can be and the value of advance care planning to make one’s wishes known.

More about hospice, palliative care, and advance care planning is available from Hospice of St Mary’s. Visit online or call 301-994-3023.

The National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization’s national campaign, Moments of Life: Made Possible by Hospice, offers an additional online resource – “What Are My Options?” an interactive tool designed to provide information that will help guide healthcare choices if a person or a loved one is facing a serious illness … especially if that illness is getting worse. In less than 60 seconds, website visitors will have important answers to help guide decisions. Learn what options might be right for you or a loved one here.

For more information and one-click access to a full list of resources available at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, visit their Leader Page.