The Comforts of Home
By Sherry Little, Home Hospice of Grayson, Texoma LIVING WELL Magazine
We have all heard the phrase, “all the comforts of home,” but frequently when we are ill––particularly when we are seriously ill––we don’t get to experience those soothing comforts. Rather we are whisked away to a hospital, propped up in a hospital bed and hooked up to IVs. Our family members can only visit during limited hours and our beloved pets not at all. It is difficult, if not impossible, to enjoy our favorite foods, activities or even television shows. For many Americans, the next stop is a long-term care facility, where much of the same is true.
Are you shaking your head, saying, “No, that’s not what I want”? Most of us respond that way, yet we fail to take the steps to allow us to enjoy the comforts of home, surrounded by the love and laughter of family and friends, during times of significant illness.
You may be thinking, “But I am not seriously ill; I am reasonably healthy. I can think about this later.” All of us need to think about it now, rather than waiting until our health deteriorates. Making decisions and discussing them with those who love you, and also with your physician, is much easier before a crisis hits.
Thinking through the possibilities, researching the cost and resources required, determining what best fits your needs and outlining those for others will assure the greatest chance that you get what you want during times of illness
The Great Conversation isa workshop sponsored by Home Hospice of Grayson, Cooke & Fannin Counties. It helps participants identify the steps in this process, assists in the completion of the documents needed to honor specific wishes, and provides information about discussing wishes with family and physicians. Workshops are held each month on the third Thursday through the end of 2014. Located in the library of Reba’s Ranch House, 5036 Reba Drive in Denison, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., these sessions are offered to our community at no charge and are led by JoCarolyn Chambers, LCSW, Home Hospice social worker and Pathways coordinator.
For additional information, visit www.homehospice.org.
