Hospice care option becoming a more mainstream choice

OSCEOLA, Ark. -- Hospice care is becoming a growing option for health care across the country. Some, however, still may not be aware of what hospice care is and what it provides for the recipient, as well as its availability in the local area.

Hospice care is considered to be the model of quality, compassionate care for those facing life-limiting illnesses, according to Legacy Hospice Inc. in Osceola, which provides residents living in Mississippi, Crittenden and Poinsett counties with hospice services. The goal of a hospice group is to work with the patient, either in their home or in a nursing home, to make their life as full and complete as it can possibly be during the last stages of an incurable illness, according to Kristin Owens, volunteer and bereavement coordinator for Legacy Hospice.

"These people aren't giving up. They just want to be able to live life to the fullest until the very end," Owens said.

Legacy offers patients a number of services to ensure that they are comfortable and as pain free as possible while receiving care. Along with registered nurses and CNAs, Legacy has a team of four physicians, Dr. Wagner in Manilla, Dr. Cullom in Osceola, Dr. Denton in West Memphis and Dr. Meyers in Memphis, that work with them to provide appropriate health care for patients.

Although Legacy does work with Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies to make sure no patient is turned away and all services are provided at no charge, a person cannot simply sign up for hospice care.

"The patient has to be evaluated by their physician and recommended for hospice care. Then we suggest that they compare services and find the hospice care that is right for them and their family," Owens said.

Legacy Hospice provides more than just health care and pain control for its patients. Legacy offers volunteers to come in to read and spend time with the patients who request some company. If a patient wants to travel, Legacy will contact a hospice located where the patient is traveling and arrange care for them while they are away. Respite care is also provided which places the patients in short-term care allowing the caregivers a period of relief. Legacy Hospice also provides bereavement services for the patients' families for up to 13 months after death. This can include anything from information on dealing with death to counseling.

Hospice care also tends to be more cost efficient, according to Owens, than traditional medical treatment.

"Our patients will see, on average, about a $2,309 reduction in Medicare costs for hospice care," Owens said.

Legacy Hospice Inc. states its philosophy on its website:

"Hospice recognizes dying as a normal process whether or not resulting from disease. Hospice neither hastens nor postpones death.

"Hospice exists in the hope and belief that through appropriate care and the support of a caring community sensitive to their needs, patients and families may be free to attain a degree of mental and spiritual preparation for the death that is satisfactory to them."

For more information on Legacy Hospice Inc. or to find out how to volunteer, contact Legacy Hospice at 870-563-9995.

cpinkard@blythevillecourier.com