Hospice is about living.

The decision to sign a Do Not Resuscitate form is very difficult.

Stopping curative treatment might feel like one is quitting.

The attending doctor may explain what hospices is clinically. Or, it may be a case manager, a hospice admissions nurse or perhaps a chaplain doing Part A of the admisions process. But, the time comes when the decision needs to be made to cease currative treatment and agree to not be resucitated when the heart beats is final beat. This confrontation with reality is very sobering and is finalized by signing the forms.

I've often been with families at that time. Sometimes it is more difficult that the death itself.

For many, the barrier to that decision is the feeling that choosing hospice and accepting death is quitting. If that were true, the feeling of guilt is an added burden to the sadness of grief.

When you are caring for someone and your are present when they are confronted with these decisions it will be helpful fo you to tell them, choosing hospice does NOT mean one quits hoping, praying, caring and loving.

It DOES mean that they are choosing to manage their symptoms and receive comfort care so they can live, what may be the last chapter of their life, in the best way possible.

Incredible opportunities for expressing and receiving love, giving and asking for forgiveness, speaking blessing, savoring important memories, establishing their legacy and turning ones attention to the hope they have in the Eternal often exists once one chooses hospice care.

As a care minister, you will be confronted by people who are ready to die but are conflicted with their feelings and the choices they have. They might be looking to you for affirmation that hospice care is the right choice.

You can tell them, "Hospice is about living the last chapter of life to the fullest."

When your care for people takes you to this difficult situation I hope these posts on hospice help you care for people better than every before.