Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Spring 2020

You’ve likely heard about hospice and know it may be an option for someone who is terminally ill. But how much do you know beyond that? Here are answers to some common questions about hospice. Q:What exactly is hospice care? A: It focuses on caring for—not curing—someone who is believed to have six months or less to live. It brings together a team of people with special skills to comfort and support people and their families near the end of life. That team may include doctors, nurses, social workers, spiritual advisors and trained volunteers. Q:Where does it take place? A: In most cases, hospice care happens in the home of the terminally ill person or in the home of a loved one. But hospice care can also take place in a hospital, nursing home or assisted living facility. Q: Is any medical care provided? A: Yes. While the disease itself isn’t treated, its symptoms are. The hospice team works together to ease pain and other symptoms so that someone who has a life-limiting illness can live as comfortably—and fully—as possible. A member of the team visits the patient regularly, and someone is always available by phone, if needed. Q:What other services are provided? A: Quite a few. For example, the hospice team is there to: » » Provide emotional and spiritual support for the dying person and family alike. » » Coach the family on how to care for their loved one. » » Arrange for short-term inpatient care if pain or symptoms are too difficult to manage at home or caregivers need respite care. Q:Who pays for hospice care? A: It’s covered by Medicare, most private insurance plans and Medicaid in most states. Sources: National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization; National Institute on Aging Our team of health care professionals provides not only medical and nursing care, but also emotional, spiritual and bereavement support for the patient and family. Call CMH Hospice at 417-326-3585 . HEROES FORHOSPICE 5K/10KRUNMAY 2 Registration is open for the Saturday, May 2, Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation’s Heroes for Hospice 5K/10K Run. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. and will be electronically timed for accuracy. Both courses will begin in front of the CMH Community Rooms and will conclude with a loop around Dunnegan Memorial Park. Medals will be awarded to overall male and female winners in each race, first place male and female winners in each age division, and oldest and youngest “hero.” Early bird registration is $25 per person ($15 for youth 12 and under) on or before April 4 and includes aT-shirt. Registration after April 4 is $30 per person ($15 for youth 12 and under) and does not include a T-shirt. Runners can also register the day of the event until 8 a.m. Online registration closes April 26. Participants can register at bitly.com/CMHRace2020 . People of all ages and levels of physical activity are encouraged to attend. Walkers, strollers and pets are welcome! CMH Hospice caregivers strive to help patients remain as comfortable as possible at home, or in a homelike setting, with family and friends. The program also provides support to families after the death of their loved one through a bereavement program. Proceeds from the race will provide donations in our area to ensure that physical, emotional, spiritual and bereavement care is provided to all terminally ill patients and their families. For more information on the Heroes for Hospice 5K/10K Run, contact Wren Hall, director of community relations, at 417-328-6318 . Hospice care: 5 questions answered ➜ 14 VITALITY Spring 2020 COMMUNITY HOSPICE