When we enter this world, we’re surrounded by love, comfort, and care. Don’t we deserve the same when we leave? November is national Hospice Month. LifePath Hospice is seeking to educate the community about the gift of hospice, and is providing continued community outreach during the month of November.
“Care with Compassion.” This is the commitment of the staff at LifePath Hospice, which includes physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, licensed social workers, chaplains, bereavement counselors, and volunteers. “Our mission is to provide the best comfort care, spiritual guidance and emotional support possible to patients and families facing a life-limiting illness. During the month of November, LifePath Hospice will be educating the Shreveport/Bossier and outlying communities about the benefits of hospice and even the misconceptions about hospice,” said Administrator, Stephanie Jarratt RN.
Lifepath Hospice provides comfort care and education to patients and their caregivers. The decision to use hospice comes at the time when the focus of care shifts from curative treatment of the disease to creating the best quality of life in the patient’s final days. “Research shows that most people prefer to die at home, but only one third of people actually do. It is important for families to talk about their wishes about end of life before they become too sick and are unable to do so,” states social worker Richard Bellamy.
There are multiple myths and misconceptions regarding hospice care. One myth about hospice is that it is only for people with terminal cancer. Actually, hospice care can be offered for patients with end stage congestive heart failure, lung disease, liver disease, renal disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Another myth is that hospice is a place you go when a doctor can no longer offer treatment for you. Hospice professionals are experts in pain management and symptom control. “Our hospice nurses, under the direction of the patient’s physician, have the knowledge and expertise to utilize the prescribed medications and treatments to attain optimal pain control. It is terrible to see those you love in pain. With LifePath Hospice, you know that our nurse will keep your loved one comfortable and their pain managed, either at home or in the nursing facility,” states Nicki Fontenot RN, Director of Nursing.
“Our medical director is Dr. Robert Hernandez, and he is exceptional. He goes above and beyond for his patients. He is available to us at all hours of the day and night, and is highly proficient in pain management,” said Fontenot.
“Another benefit we have at LifePath is a low nurse to patient ratio, so our nurses have time to get to know their patients as well as their families. Our nurses go about their patient care in a calm, reassuring and compassionate manner. We take our time and explain to families what to expect during this end of life journey,” states Fontenot.
Shea Frederick, Director of Community Education for Lifepath Hospice, described several community outreach programs for the month of November, including participation in the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure and education on wellness and health maintenance for the elderly. LifePath raised $1,000.00 for The Alzheimer’s Association in October. “We were very pleased that we could do that. And we want to expand our community outreach into rural areas. Recent studies from 2013 show that people in rural areas often have reduced access to hospice services,” stated Frederick. LifePath will continue to participate in health fairs and community health networking events. Also, as part of LifePath’s community outreach, a Facebook page has been established, providing articles of interest as well as the latest updates about LifePath’s community education events. “LifePath Hospice provides grief support groups and services for 13 months after the loss of a loved one,” said Krista Rachal, bereavement counselor.
LifePath seeks to serve families as they experience the end of life’s journey. ”Sometimes the best thing you can do is listen to family members tell stories of their loves ones, or just sit with the patient and family member and hold their hand, “said Chaplain, Al Van Dyke. Every member of the hospice team has his or her own special contribution and own area of expertise to offer the patient, family, and caregivers. Says Fontenot, “Sometimes the best thing you can do for a family is just to be there, to provide the gift of presence.” Remember LifePath’s promise: Care with compassion.
You may contact LifePath Hospice @318-222-5711 or 866-257-5711 or visit www.lifepathhospicecare.com.
