Fundraising events in the area
Carol Fisher-Linn
Hospice can be such a scary word. When you or a loved one has received a terminal diagnosis and your world comes crashing down, hospice is offered as a possibility for care. Often, it is the least appealing because of the six-month or less requirement to become eligible. Unfortunately, what many do not realize is that hospice can be discontinued, extended, or morphed into palliative care, that offers the patient the opportunity to continue treatment, which hospice does not. Hospice is not a death sentence. It is a gentle, compassionate, loving way of easing you or a loved one through final days. This care model sometimes gives a person and family breathing room and, in some cases, a chance to rejuvenate and continue along life’s path. Many patients have used hospice services for a few times and then rallied. Medicare will pay for multiple hospice enrollments because they know through their experience that the first time in is not necessarily the final time. I have a friend who has been in and out of hospice three times in the last several years and is presently on palliative care,
Hospice may be suggested but a person may end up first in palliative care if they wish to continue treatment. Both palliative care and hospice care provide comfort, but palliative care allows the hope of more time while providing the extra care to both the patient and family needed during a trying time. Once it is shown that treatment is no longer viable, hospice steps in to offer comfort care to the patient and the family. Adding to the layer of care for people facing their imminent demise, one can also hire the services of an end-of-life doula who picks up where hospice and palliative care cannot go any further because of time and staffing constraints. Doulas are nonmedical professionals who wear many hats and can take a huge burden off the caregivers and the patients. They are trained to care for a terminally ill person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Between them all, you may not have round-the-clock services, but you will have a team of caregivers available to you and your family to provide patient care and respite care for the caregivers. (Contact cfisherDOULAendoflife@gmail.com). Hospice is a very good thing and a gift to those accessing its services.
This month, there are several fundraisers in our surrounding communities to help offset the additional costs to hospice that are not reimbursed by Medicare or other insurances. Here’s how it works: Hospices are paid a set fee on per-diem basis based on how many days the patient it enrolled, and the level of care provided, and it is expected to provide all services that patient needs. So, consider number of visits, medications, supplies, equipment – still one fee. Some might fall under the costs. but most require more. Some hospices also provide services to persons who do not have any insurance coverage and no means to pay. Another service hospice provides is unbillable bereavement and grief support, generally for a year after the passing of the patient. Hospice absorbs this cost.
In Buffalo, on May 15, you can participate or fund a walker in the Hospice Memorial Walk at Canalside. Over 3000 walkers in WNY will honor their loved ones at this 23rd annual walk. Buffalo Hospice works with nearly 1000 patients a day in homes, hospitals and assisted living facilities throughout Erie County regardless of ability to pay. Hospice Buffalo has been helping families for 40 years.
Chautauqua County Hospice and Palliative Care has also been providing hospice care for 40 years. 2022 marks the 7th year they are celebrating their good work with a gala, “Welcome to the Carnival!” to raise much needed funds. Held on May 21st at Chautauqua Suites Meeting and Expo Center in Mayville, the event has become the must-be seen-at event for many members of the surrounding communities. The circus-themed party is a dress-up affair, meaning top hat or clown shoes. It’s an old-time gala with dinner, dessert, dancing, and a live auction. Sounds like way too much fun to miss. Tickets $50 include dinner, dessert, and a drink ticket. Buy online at www.chpc.care or in person at their Lakewood offices. 716-338-0033