THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 28, 1995 TAG: 9509280015
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
As a hospice professional, I would like to respond to two recent letters regarding hospice services that appeared in your paper. Both situations mentioned the devastating impact of caring for a loved one dying at home, and the support, compassion and guidance received from hospice staff and volunteers.
Daily I observe members of our community navigate the troubled waters surrounding the question of where best to care for their loved ones - at home, in the hospital or possibly at an extended-care facility. Hospice can be the answer for many individuals having this often unexpected dilemma and a primary caregiver willing to advocate for the patient on a 24-hour basis if necessary. The hospice team can help provide the support, training and tools to assist the patient to live each remaining day with dignity, comfort and love.
While the demands of the work can be emotionally draining, the personal rewards are great. Families welcome us into their homes and lives at an intensely intimate and personal time. The devotion and love demonstrated by spouses, parents, grown children, friends and neighbors are an inspiration. Volunteers offer personal patient care, from bathing to massage.
The worth and success of any hospice program is based on the efforts of many individuals - those visible to the patients and those who function behind the scenes. It is reassuring to see that so many citizens of Hampton Roads support the goals of hospice. This support will be the key to our future growth and continuum of care.
LAURA B. ZEISBERG, R.N.
Norfolk, Sept. 20, 1995 by CNB