The word “hospice” is a scary one, but time spent on hospice can be some of the most meaningful in a person’s life. Hospice is an insurance benefit that provides supportive care for those facing terminal illness. The benefits include nurses, aides, social workers, volunteers and other caregivers who are focused on making you feel as comfortable as possible as your illness progresses.

What is hospice? It’s a philosophy of caring for patients who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness or injury and who want supportive care.

When is it time to call hospice? We’ve never met a family that wishes they didn’t call sooner. From the moment you reach out, our highly skilled hospice care team jumps into action. From patient enrollment to spiritual care, Stillwater Hospice’s team brings together decades of experience caring for the region’s most seriously ill.

Here are some factors to consider as you think about your treatment options:

• Has your physician given you a prognosis of 6 months or less if your disease follows its typical course?
• Are curative treatments like chemotherapy no longer working?
• Have you been repeatedly hospitalized or seen in the emergency room for your illness?
• Do you want to have troublesome symptoms like pain, anxiety and nausea?
• Are you ready to live the rest of your life on your terms?

In considering whether to enroll in hospice care, you should talk with loved ones and your physician(s) about your goals of treatment and any life goals you have. Often, when people enroll in hospice, they begin to feel better as your symptoms are managed and difficult treatments are discontinued. You can learn more about our hospice care program here: https://stillwater-hospice.org/patient-services/hospice-care/. You can be referred to hospice and enrolled the same day with Stillwater Hospice’s comprehensive suite of compassionate services. Call (800) 288-4111 to learn more today.