Compassionate, patient-directed care

Hospice is comforting care and compassionate support for individuals who are experiencing a life-limiting illness and a terminal diagnosis. When a cure is no longer the focus, Spectrum Health Hospice gives patients’ choices on how to best control symptoms, enhance dignity and quality of life, and make the best life decisions. We can help patients, families and caregivers through difficult times and daily living by managing pain, providing comfort, and offering support and resources.

Most people with a life-limiting illness that is progressive will qualify for hospice services. Many insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, offer 100 percent coverage for hospice care at no cost to the patient and family. Your physician and hospice team can help determine if you are eligible for hospice services. Our nurses are available to meet with you and your family members or caregivers for a free, informational visit at a time that is convenient for you.

Many times patients and families know the patient's condition is deteriorating, yet no one wants to be the first to discuss hospice. Hospice can often be helpful much earlier than one might think.

Talking about the kind of choices patients may want is helpful at any stage of an illness. Even if just some basic information is needed, call us to send out one of our specialists to discuss hospice care with you and your caregivers. Information on hospice can be helpful in making decisions and planning for the future.

Spectrum Health Hospice meets your needs wherever you live. We provide care and support whether you are in a private home, long term care facility, assisted living residence, an adult foster care home, and in some cases, the hospital. We serve the West Michigan area, including the counties of Kent, Ottawa, Montcalm, Ionia, Allegan and Barry.

The goal of hospice care is optimal symptom control and physical comfort, which allows patients to enjoy what really matters most to them and brings quality to each day. Some studies have shown that a person can live even longer with adequate support and the comfort of this specialized care. One of the core values held by our hospice team is the value of hope - hope for comfort that endures, for meaning in difficult times, for reconciliation and dignity and for making the most of each precious day.

The following may be signs that an individual could be ready for hospice care:

Your family might benefit from hospice care if:

• Caregivers are physically and emotionally worn out from providing care and feel more help is needed.
• Decisions regarding your loved one's care must be made and you are unsure about how to make them, or there are conflicts within your family regarding these decisions.
• You are uncertain about how to best care for your family member and are concerned about what lies ahead.

Your hospice team can support you in a number of ways. We will show you how to administer care, offer assistance and resources to help you, and will even give you a much deserved break now and then when you need it. With the support of the hospice team, patients and families are in control and decide what care plans are best for them.

Patients can be referred to Spectrum Health Hospice by anyone - you, a family member, a staff member from a facility, or a physician. Information on hospice can be provided to you at any time. A physician has to determine that the diagnosis fits the federal mandates and insurance guidelines for hospice care to be delivered. Upon receiving the initial call, we will verify with the patient's physician that hospice care may be appropriate. Once the physician's order is received, one of our specialized admission nurses performs an assessment, the patient signs a consent form, and hospice care begins.

Our social workers are well-educated and experienced in many different legal matters such as living wills, "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) orders, medical durable power of attorney (MDPOA) and guardianship. We can facilitate conversations about end of life decisions with families and patients to ensure that one's wishes are well-known and that family and friends can help support the decisions that are made. We can also provide direction to get those wishes formalized and organized in one location for convenience and clarity.

After the hectic period surrounding the funeral, you may begin to experience a variety of physical and emotional changes. It can be helpful to know what these are and that these changes can be a normal response to grief. You may:

You may be uncomfortable with some of these feelings. During these times, it is important to allow yourself to feel your emotions. Don’t be afraid to cry or ask for support. Talking with others can help you cope during this difficult time.

This may be a very challenging time. Like many grieving people, you may feel worse than you did right after the death. There are many reasons for this; the company has gone home; the phone calls and sympathy cards have decreased or stopped coming. Your numbness is wearing off and you begin to realize what your loss is going to mean for you.

Meanwhile, your family and friends may not understand the length of time the grieving process takes. You may feel pressure from them to return to “normal.” Because this time of grieving can leave you feeling tired and distracted, you may find that you are accident-prone. Be especially careful when driving. You also may find that you are inclined to avoid your feelings by being busy or to self-medicate. Be careful that you don’t attempt to drown your pain in work, food, spending sprees, drugs or alcohol.

Instead, reach out for the support of others— family members, friends, a spiritual leader or counselor. You need them to validate both your pain and your sanity. You need them to praise your accomplishments, however small. Remember that the journey of grieving is healthier when shared with others.

Even if you are not consciously keeping track, special dates may present challenges to you— especially during the first year or two. These events may remind you of the times you spent together and remind you of your loss. Even if you have been doing well by the end of the first year, you may be surprised about how intensely the one-year anniversary of death affects you.

No matter how long it’s been since your loss, your heart will always carry grief. Most grieving people agree that it takes at least two years to establish new routines, create a different lifestyle and realize a new identity.

The employees at Spectrum Health Hospice hope this information is helpful as you move through this difficult time. If you have questions or concerns you may contact us any time.

Alzheimer's Society: The Alzheimer's Association is the only national voluntary health organization dedicated to researching the prevention, cures and treatments of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, and providing support and assistance to those affected by the disease and their families.

Caregiver Resource Network: The Caregiver Resource Network is a collaboration of West Michigan organizations dedicated to providing for the needs and welfare of family and professional caregivers within the community.

GriefNet: GriefNet is an Internet community of persons dealing with grief, death and major loss. Several e-mail support groups dealing with assorted grief issues are offered.

Area Agency on Aging: Established in April 1974, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) exists to help older adults and persons with disabilities live in their community with independence and dignity.

Senior Meals on Wheels: 616.459.3111 The Senior Meals on Wheels Program provides a range of nutritional services to the elderly in our community that are not offered by any other agency in Kent County.

State Bar of Michigan Elder Law: This site provides information on advanced care planning and medical care planning in the event of a loss. Easy to navigate and provides free forms to download.