Now that our mother has been diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, Hospice has entered our lives. Mom will continue to live "at home," which happens to be a wonderful Alzheimer's facility called Lydia's House in Mennonite Village, just south of Albany, Oregon. The staff there will now be working with Hospice representatives "to improve the quality of [Mom's] last days by offering comfort and dignity." (see www.hospicefoundation.org)
Hospice is not a place but a concept of care. Special emphasis is placed on controlling pain and discomfort. The emotional, social and spiritual impact of the disease on the patient and the patient's family and friend is also addressed.
I've heard this program unofficially described as a "happy ending." We are comforted in joining with Lydia's House and Hospice in providing for our Mom's happy ending whenever it may come.
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