Hospice: Myths, Facts & New Options
Did you know that hospice and end-of-life services focus on the care and comfort of individuals who are currently living with a serious illness and choose not to continue treatment? Yet, only half of all Medicare beneficiaries use their hospice benefit.
It is important for older adults facing a serious, life-limiting illness to understand the facts and options available that can help families and caregivers be better prepared.
Get insights into the myths and facts about hospice care, including considerations for selecting a hospice or end-of-life service provider.
Click to listen to this episode:
Tune in for insights and resources from Kent Mathews, MSW - Family Caregiver Support Center Lead - PPACG Area Agency on Aging, and Lucy Crandall, End of Life Doula, Resource Specialist at Good Mournings.
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About Kent:
Kent is the Program Director of the Family Caregiver Support Center at the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging (PPACG AAA). Mathews received his MSW degree at Arizona State University in 1992. He has 15 years of hospice social work experience supporting family caregivers. At the PPACG AAA, Kent uses this expertise to assist family caregivers in identifying and using a wide variety of community resources to support them with their caregiving responsibilities.
During his 16 years at the PPACG AAA Family Caregiver Support Center, he has been responsible for the development and implementation of a voucher program to provide caregivers with much-needed respite care. With the support of the UCCS Aging Center, PILLAR for Lifelong Learning and the Colorado Springs Senior Center, Mr. Mathews provides presentations to a wide variety of community agencies, civic groups and faith organizations to increase the general understanding of the unique dynamics and psychosocial demands on family members providing physical and emotional care for older parents and siblings.
Mr. Mathews served as an adjunct faculty member for Newman University’s MSW program for two years. He has been providing field instruction to MSW interns assigned to the PPACG AAA for the past 13 years. Mathews also serves on numerous committees in the community, serving as a voice for family caregivers in the committee's work and responsibilities.
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About Lucy:
As an End of Life Doula, Lucy’s mission is to make death a part of life. She guides residents and families through end-of-life path planning by providing the right support and education so that the process does not become hectic and chaotic.
Lucy has a background in Psychology, End of Life Doula training and over 20 years of working with seniors. Her passion for conversations and documentation can help make this difficult time less stressful and more meaningful for all involved.
Show Notes:
- The most common myths about hospice
- Ways hospice supports individuals and families with life-limiting conditions
- Where hospice services can be provided, such as Assisted Living and Memory Care
- Additional end-of-life care options, including the services of an End-of-Life Doula
- Tips for caregivers to start the conversation about the end-of-life wishes of their loved ones
- Helpful resources and considerations for older adults and caregivers to keep in mind when selecting hospice and end-of-life care providers
Episode Resources:
- 8 Mistakes Families Make when Looking for Senior Care Flyer
- Fivewishes.org
- Selecting the Right Home Care Provider – National Association for Home Care and Hospice
- Care Compare – Medicare.gov
- Hospice Facts and Figures – NHPCO
- End of Life: Helping with Comfort and Care – National Institute on Aging
- Frequently Asked Questions About Hospice Care – National Institute on Aging
