Hospice program offers vital care in time of need

Of all the programs in the McCook community, none is more reverently regarded than Hospice. And rightfully so.

Since becoming a part of Community Hospital's Home Health department five years ago, the Hospice program has offered care and comfort to more than 100 patients in the last days of their lives.

This past year alone, there were 24 Hospice patients in McCook. The costs can be astronomical for terminal care -- with the medications for one patient alone costing $780 for 10 days. And, although indigent, the patient's medicines are being provided free of charge.

This is possible because of one of McCook's most special fund-raising events: "An Evening For Hospice." In the six years the event has been in existence, the evening has produced gifts of $150,000, including a record-setting total of $38,205 this year.

In addition, An Evening For Hospice contributions have allowed the furnishing and equipping of a special Hospice Room at the hospital, as well as training for 19 volunteers and the Hospice Interdisciplinary Staff.

The staff is made up of representatives from the Ministerial Association, doctors, the Hospice nursing staff, and social services. They meet once a week for every patient in Hospice, devoting their attention to the development of the most compassionate care plan possible.

Hospice is a family-centered concept of health care for people dying of an incurable disease. The Hospice concept aims at easing the physical and psychological pain of the patient's illness so the patient can best appreciate his or her remaining life.

In Nebraska, 78 percent of Hospice patients have cancer, and 75 percent die in their homes. Surrounded by family, friends and/or trained volunteers, the terminal patients are allowed the opportunity to accept their death and say their good-byes, expressing whatever final thoughts they feel are appropriate.

As treasured a practice as Hospice is, it is surprising that the modern version of terminal patient care did not begin until 1967, when St. Christopher's Hospice was established in London. The system was founded by Cicely Saunders, an English physician.

The concept quickly spread, reaching the U.S. shortly thereafter and since reaching many other parts of the world. Thankfully, for the sake of families dealing with terminal illnesses, the Hospice movement has reached McCook.

If you know of anyone who needs Hospice services, please contact a physician, or call the Home Health and Hospice Department at (308) 345-8356. It's a wonderful service, offering caring comfort for terminal patients and their families in the last stages of life.