COLLUMN: Quotes to kick off the new year

I’d like to start our 2024 column on hospice with two quotes.

“Beginning Today, be sure to treat every person you meet as if they’re going to die by midnight. Offer them all the love compassion, kindness, and empathy you can muster. Do without thinking about any reward. The way you live your life is never the same.” Og Mandino

Let me elaborate on this quote: “You can’t shake hands by clenching your fist.” Gandhi. For me, this is an important insight statement that isn’t just about shaking hands. A fist that is closed can mean that I’m right, you’re wrong or whatever you say, I’m never likely to change my mind or consider your viewpoint. How many conversations or events have you had who had a closed-fist mentality?

It shouldn’t come as a for anyone to know that when I write my thoughts are geared towards what people think and feel about the concept of hospice. I believe that it’s that is similar to becoming a parent grandparent. Prior to becoming or have had, we are able to offer suggestions, we’ve got our own views, and share stories with others but only when we’ve experienced these things for ourselves, then and only then, can we speak from our heart.

It is a fact that everything that happens will happen whether the hospice or not. Every day, people die even without being hospice patients. My question is always “Why not consider hospice if you are aware that you suffer from an advanced illness and that the expected cures and treatments aren’t efficient?” Why not take advantage of medical professionals who will visit you or your loved ones’ homes? What are the advantages of having the ability to contact a doctor 24/7 when you suspect that you or a loved one might be experiencing a sudden change? Why not let experts trained and certified personnel visit your aid with baths and other personal needs? What better way to ask your nurse or a group of nurses take the pharmacy where you buy your medicines or consult with your physician on your behalf and keep your family informed of any changes or progression of what’s happening? Do you want someone to bring diapers, wipes and gloves and bandages, bed pads and so on.? Why not get medical equipment like an over-the-bed hospital bed table oxygen, lift shower chair, suction and a bedside toilet delivered to your residence when hospice is completely covered by Medicare Part A. Medicare Part A hospice benefit and is also covered under Medicaid? Hospice is usually an insurance benefit for commercial companies that includes Blue Cross, United Healthcare and others. What better way to leave your loved ones with a year of grief assistance to use to grieve and discover how to be without you here in this world?

There’s no doubt that whatever happens, it will happen whether or not hospice is involved. Do not hold an open fist whenever someone mentions hospice. Don’t take a closed hand from anyone who claims you must choose a certain hospice. It’s your decision.

Do you live to 2024 with no regrets, holding an open heart and open heart knowing which recognizes that “we are all walking home together.” Unknown author.

– – Vickie C. Wacaster is a patient and the Hospice Advocate of Aveanna Hospice (formerly Comfort Care Hospice).

The article ColumN: Quotes to kick off with the start of the year was first published in The Andalusia Star-News.