Time to Live

The news that treatment is no longer effective (or that an older person is in decline), can seem like the end of hope--or a big, fat fail. Thought of cure or extended time turn to questions like, "Why" "What if?" and "What now?"

Yet knowing time is limited also presents an opportunity: to step back, take a breather and take control. But how? 

Agape Hospice care starts with a question: "What's meaningful to you?" For starters, people want to feel better. Less anxious. Less nauseated. Less sick. They want to be thought of as individuals and not defined by their condition, treatment or symptoms.

They tell us they'd like to go fishing or camping, enjoy a Twinkie, or get their hands dirty in the garden. Patients say they'd like to write letters or memoirs. To paint. To tie up loose ends with relationships. They want to accomplish things. Most want meaningful time with friends and family.

Our physicians, nurses, CNAs, social workers, chaplains and volunteers form a team expressly dedicated to helping people feel well enough to accomplish what's important. Our team is really good at relieving a person's symptoms while helping him or her to be as alert as possible. Sometimes, when people's bodies aren't having to work so hard to compensate for pain, discomfort, sleeplessness or anxiety, their condition actually improves. With Agape, people also get practical, emotional and spiritual support according to what they want and need.

If possible, why wouldn't anyone make the last weeks or months of life as rich as any other time? People fear death, suffering and the unknown. That's natural. They should not fear hospice care.