Hospice month recognizes ‘faces of care’

Dear Editor,

Most of us remember someone who helped us during difficult times – a grandparent, a special teacher, even a stranger who became a friend. The recollections of these “faces of care, dignity, and excellence” bring comfort and calm in the midst of crisis.

Yet when recalling end-of-life situations of those we love, many of us have different recollections. These memories may include the hurt on the face of a loved one in pain; the sorrow on the face of a family member who did not get the opportunity to say goodbye to a dying relative; the stress on the faces of those making difficult decisions about end-of-life choices without guidance.

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. This month, Hospice of South Louisiana celebrates these “faces of care, dignity, and excellence” that provide hospice and palliative care. These trained professionals and volunteers from our community offer pain and symptom control, dignity, and spiritual and emotional care for dying persons and their loved ones when a cure is not possible. Hospice and palliative care puts a “face” on quality end-of-life care – the faces of nurses, doctors, social workers, spiritual caregivers, homecare aides and volunteers who provide services and support to families during one of life’s most challenging times.

Hospice of South Louisiana is celebrating 20 years of bringing comfort home. It is an honor and a privilege to service our community, and we thank you for your continued support.

Hospice of South Louisiana