Plan Ahead. Educate Yourself. Don’t Make Hospice Care an Afterthought.
By R. Bruce Dalglish of Philadelphia, PA
Every day, heroes in our own communities care for their ailing loved ones as they juggle life’s balancing act: work, children, home – the list is long. These unsung heroes are caregivers. They provide unconditional love and time, anchored in devotion, to care for their loved ones.
Many caregivers often take on too much responsibility, committed to taking care of their loved ones privately and independently. Frequently, these caregivers burn out, and realize that they may not be able to juggle as many concurrent responsibilities as they thought. It is also common for family caregivers to resist entrusting someone else to care for their loved ones.
While these caregivers mean well and have the best of intentions, we find that one of the most common afterthoughts that families have is that they regret not having started hospice care sooner. They wish that they had educated themselves earlier about the resources and systems of caring that hospice offers – and that they planned ahead.
All Caring Hospice is equipped with a team of caring and compassionate experts dedicated to customizing care to the needs of your loved ones in an inclusive manner, as an extended family. Our medically-trained staff are committed to maintaining the highest levels of comfort, care and dignity, based on each patient’s individual needs. Our team can help manage fears, concerns and steer important conversations that are often challenging and painful to have.
It is always very difficult to accept that you may lose someone that you care for and love. However, when your loved one is nearing their final chapter, one of the most valuable and loving steps you can take is to make sure that they are comfortable and that all of their physical, emotional and spiritual needs and wishes are met.
About the Author
A resident of Philadelphia, R. Bruce Dalglish has served as the Chairman and CEO of Alliance Hospice and All Caring Hospice since 2005. In this role, Bruce Dalglish oversees the development and strategic direction of both companies. From 2008 – 2013, Bruce Dalglish served on the Public Policy Committee of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO).
Disclaimer: All Caring Hospice blogs provide education information, not medical advice. Please consult with your medical providers when making end-of-life care decisions.
