Best Care at the Worst Time

I am a retired Reg. Nurse who worked for 7 years at Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice in Hamilton. There are 10 beds in very large rooms that are beautifully decorated. The place feels welcoming and homey. Family and friends can come any time and they can sleep over if they wish. There is a open kitchen which volunteers help out and make soup and treats free for anyone to have. The grounds are inviting and a large pond to sit by. We often rolled out the patient's bed to be outside. 

Families have often told us at first they were unsure of coming to a Hospice but staying at home was becoming to hard. Once settled the families realized this was the best decision. They can relax and just visit with their loved one. The patient can receive the best care  24 hrs a day and Specially trained Palliative Drs are there to make sure the patient is pain free and comfortable. All there symptoms are addressed to help keep the patient live life to the fullest till the end. 

The main problem is finance. The Provincial Govt. only covers a small portion of the running of a Hospice and fundraising is a constant demand on staff. We need more Hospices and more funding. It should be considered a necessary  part of the  Health Care System. I believe each Hospice should be a arm of a Hospital. 

I could not change the fact that the patient was palliative and end of life was near but I could make that person comfortable, relaxed , have some enjoyment, and accept the terms of life. No one should die alone and if family couldn't be there staff sat and held the person's hand and offered comfort and peace. 

A natural end of life is offered for palliative care at a Hospice and it is the best.