“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal” -Christ Atul B Purty
Death is a subject often skimmed over; especially when it comes to the death of a loved one or a person’s own death. Even though nobody wants to talk about death, everyone wishes for the same thing, a “good death”. We’re sure you’ve heard someone at some point say “I just want to die in my sleep when I’m old. You know, something peaceful.” We all hope to pass away peacefully, pain-free, and according to our 5 Wishes or other advanced directives. However, the only way to accomplish this is to have your wishes in place before the time comes.
Planning a Good Death
There are a few elements of a good death that a person cannot control- time, for instance. One very important factor that a person can control in regards to death is his/her healthcare wishes.
Not making healthcare wishes known ahead of time forces loved ones into a predicament of guessing what you want. Loved ones have to take into consideration feeding tubes, ventilators, CPR and other life-lengthening options. No matter the treatment that is pursued, or not pursued, by the family, loved ones can be riddled with guilt over wondering if they chose what their loved one would have wanted.
But how can you help your loved ones? As soon as you receive a diagnosis of a serious illness, lay out your wishes on advanced directives! You can head to an attorney to create documents such as a Power of Attorney, Living Will, or DNR (do not resuscitate) form. Or you can fill out a booklet entitled “5 Wishes.” This booklet is a recognized advanced directive document in the state of Kentucky. It’s easy to understand, to the point, and easy for the person to fill out. St. Anthony’s Hospice does have these documents and give us a call or stop by our office to obtain one- (270) 826-2326.
Hospice Can Help Make a “Good Death”
Hospice care is a benefit covered 100% under Medicare, Medicaid, and some private insurances. It is designed to help those with a serious illness live the best quality of life by controlling symptoms, assisting with psychological, social, and medical needs, and keeping the patient where he/she wishes to be- home. Patients are eligible for hospice if they have a diagnosis of a terminal illness with a life expectancy of 6 months or less, should the disease run its normal course.
St. Anthony’s Hospice is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to assist patients and their families. Patients receive St. Anthony’s Hospice care wherever they call home- home, apartment, skilled nursing facility, assisted living facility, or the Lucy Smith King Care Center. Our clinicians are experts at providing nursing care, personal care, emotional/psychosocial care, and spiritual care to treat the whole patient. We also offer bereavement services to help the family after the patient passes away.
Once admitted to hospice care, a team of nurses, aides, chaplains, social workers, and the patient’s doctor or our medical directors and our nurse practitioner surrounds the patient to develop a care plan to keep the patient where they want to be and manage any symptoms that inhibit a high quality of life. And yes, you read that right, a hospice patient does not have to give up his/her doctor; if the patient wishes to keep their physician and the physician wants to follow the patient! All medications related to the patient’s hospice diagnosis, durable medical equipment, and medical supplies are covered under hospice care and provided at no cost to the patient and family.
Advanced Directives and Funerals
Legal jargon can be confusing, especially in a high-stress time, like trying to determine a loved one’s wishes while he/she is incapacitated. St. Anthony’s has social workers who can assist with getting advanced directives in order. The social workers are not attorneys but they can help family members connect with an attorney to get documents in place and serve as a witness/notary on documents such as 5 Wishes or a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) form. Social workers can also help get family members in contact with funeral directors to answer any questions they might have about a loved one’s funeral.
Putting advanced directives and funeral plans in place early can help save stress on family members and can help reduce costs to the grieving family.
If you or someone you love is in need of extra help to achieve a “good death”, give St. Anthony’s a call at (270) 826-2326 or fill out our referral form- https://stanthonyshospice.org/referral/.
