On Jan. 12 in television`s ”Last Wish” we again saw a heart-wrenching story of the pain and suffering of a life-threatening disease. Betty Rollin`s decision to assist her mother`s suicide was not easy. She chose one alternative to deal with the emotional trauma and physical pain.
Intense pain and the worry of being abandoned during the dying process often drive sufferers to extreme methods to end the agony. Hospice care can offer hope to those individuals-the anxiety can be relieved, dignity can be restored and the road can be less lonely and frightening.
Hospice surrounds the patient and family with a comprehen-sive health care system in the home or other place of residence, which provides: physician services, nursing visits, emotional and spiritual care, volunteer assistance and bereavement support.
Hospice offers an option that patients and families can consider when facing a terminal illness-an option that can assist the personal physician in caring for the patient with compassion and professionalism. Hospice is not a
”quick fix.” Rather, its goal is to maximize the quality of whatever time is left.
