HOSPICE OFFERS PEACE, COMFORT, CARING; NOVEMBER WAS NATIONAL HOSPICE MONTH

VNA Hospice of Southeast Missouri celebrated November as National Hospice Month with the theme "The Power of Hospice: Peace, Comfort, Caring."

VNA Hospice staff celebrate life everyday of the year in every home they enter.

The word "hospice" means "a place of refuge on a long journey." This is a very accurate picture of what the program offers. It's more than health care. We travel through life from birth, through childhood, and into adulthood seeking assistance from doctors, teachers, family and friends as we move from one life event to the next. We are never still on our journey. We grow. We touch the lives of those around us and permit them to touch us.

We build bridges from our home to those around us. Our children form unions of their own. Throughout our lives, we return frequently to the place we love most, the place we call "home." There it is that we are most secure.

Then, one day we come to realize that our time here is nearing an end. Perhaps a doctor tells us that there are no more drugs or treatments in his arsenal of health restorers. Perhaps we read the message in his eyes or in the glance of a loved one afraid to voice the words. Somehow we know. We refuse to accept the possibility that "there is nothing we can do" because we know in our hearts that there is much yet to be done.

How can we leave now with so much yet to do? Where can we go to be safe, to find peace, comfort and caring? We can go home. VNA Hospice will come there to offer the guidance and support to accomplish all the things that still must be done during those last six months or so. It is important to begin now while there is still time. There is no time to waste.

Just as you would make preparations for any other major life event, you must begin preparations now. You have planned for weddings, births, family gatherings, civic functions, new occupations and a myriad of other events throughout your life. Now you plan for a venture in which you will leave those you love behind. You feel you must leave them well prepared to face the rest of their lives without your presence. You feel the need to do as much for them as you can before they must fend for themselves. After all, you have taken care of them for so long. How will they manage without you?

VNA Hospice is still there to help you discuss these things with your loved ones and to offer guidance along the way. Preparations are made. Instructions are given and oftentimes written out for later reference.

Arrangements include the availability and support of hospice for your family even after you leave. There is peace of mind.

Think of all the people who are special to you. Your spouse, children, siblings, grandchildren, friends, co-workers, church family maybe some you haven't seen in years. Think of those that you may not have seen in so long because of some forgotten disagreement long ago. Wouldn't it be wonderful to spend time with them now? Wouldn't it be wonderful to mend fences and restore relationships? VNA Hospice offers the support you want. Peace grows.

Throughout all of these tasks, you must cope with the effects of illness. VNA Hospice provides medications, oxygen and other equipment to promote your comfort. Hospice staff visit regularly to assess your changing needs and assist your family in understanding what will help you most without invading your privacy. Staff are available 24 hours per day, seven days per week to provide you with the answers to your many questions and to help meet your needs. Comfort is maintained.

You know and your family knows that the care you receive at home is the best and the most that can be given. What better caregivers than those who love you? What better place than in your own home? Caring continues at its best.

As time grows short, eternity approaches. Words are no longer as meaningful. Food loses its taste. The body defers to spiritual pursuits.

We become more aware of the truly important things in our life. God gives each of us the grace to cope with whatever trials come our way. He is there with us throughout the long nights and the lonely days of an illness. His presence is even more obvious during a terminal illness. He waits patiently for us to agree to continue our life's journey into His presence. VNA Hospice Ican help you and your family find comfort in His grace. There, peace blossoms, comfort is sublime and we know without a doubt that God cares.