November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, so hospice agencies across the country are reaching out to raise awareness about the importance of providing quality care for terminally ill patients.
“Every year, nearly 1.6 million people living with a life-limiting illness receive care from hospice and palliative care providers in this country,” said J. Donald Schumacher, president and CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. “These highly-trained professionals ensure that patients and families find dignity, respect, and love during life’s most difficult journey.”
“We’re working hard all year round to make sure people know that we offer support and comfort to patients and their families,” said Denise Watson, executive director, Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care.” “But this month is a particularly good time for families to learn more about hospice services, and when best to use them.”
Hospice and palliative care programs provide pain management, symptom control, psychosocial support, and spiritual care to patients when a cure is not possible. In addition to quality medical care for patients, hospice also offers emotional and spiritual support to families.
“Often times we bring hospice services to the patient’s home (where ever they call home) and sometimes we provide those services at our hospice facility. Either way, our team of caring professionals and volunteers are there to help improve quality of life for patients, and offer comfort and guidance to families,” said Watson.
For more information about hospice, palliative care, and
advance care planning, call 1 (888) 789-2922 or (336) 789-2922, or attend one of these open houses:
• November 10, 5:30 to 7 p.m., 401 Technology Lane #200, Mount Airy, N.C.;
• November 11, 2 to 4 p.m., Woltz Hospice Home-945 Zephyr Rd, Dobson, N.C.;
• November 15, 3 to 5 p.m., 20 W Maple St., Yadkinville, N.C.;
• November 16, 3 to 5 p.m., 1477 Carrollton Pike, Hillsville;
• November 17, 2 to 4 p.m., 18981 Jeb Stuart Hwy., Stuart;
• November 29, 3 to 5 p.m., 688 N Bridge St, Elkin, N.C.
