Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Most people think they know what Hospice is, but they have many misconceptions. The foremost is that a person on Hospice care is about to die. When my mother received a terminal diagnosis, she went on Hospice care the next day. She lived for more than three months. Many people live more than a year on Hospice care.

The second misconception is that Hospice is a place. Hospice is not a place. Hospice care can be provided wherever you reside — in your home or in independent assisted or skilled nursing. Some hospitals have a Hospice wing. There are Hospice Houses for the end of life as well. Hospice is paid for by Medicare and Medicaid. Everyone is eligible.

I would like to share my experience with Advent Hospice and what they did for my mother and our family. My mother was in heart failure and her breathing was labored. Once Hospice came and put her on a diuretic and gave her a hospital bed where her head was raised, she was comfortable. As her body deteriorated, and she lost weight and strength, she needed a wheelchair. Hospice provided two wheelchairs — one for transport in the senior living community and one that could fold up more easily for travel. My mother found the wheelchairs uncomfortable, so Hospice provided a special pillow for her to sit on. As my mother’s appetite decreased, she wanted to drink Ensure. It was provided by Hospice. Advent Hospice also supplied all pain and anxiety medications, gloves, ointments, bandages, diapers etc.

Besides all of the physical supplies, the hospice care she received was extraordinary. A nurse/case manager visited weekly and appraised the family of her condition. There was also a doctor who oversaw her medical situation, volunteers who checked up on her and a social worker who visited. An entire team was devoted to her care. You could call the Hospice Emergency line any time of day or night and get in touch with a member of her team. The team was so great that she never had to visit a hospital.

While most seniors face major adjustments when transitioning to an elder-care community, Jewish seniors face additional challenges. Not only do they lose their homes, and many of their friends, but they also lose ties to their cultural heritage. This is where the Jewish Pavilion, a 501c3 non-profit, steps in. The Pavilion serves as a resource that provides room visits, festive holiday celebrations, and more to 450 Jewish residents in fifty facilities for seniors. The Jewish Pavilion promotes inclusion, and thousands of seniors of all faiths are welcomed into our programs. http://www.JewishPavilion.org

The Orlando Senior Help Desk at the Jewish Pavilion (407-678-9363) helps thousands of callers navigate their way through the daunting senior maze, alleviating caregiver stress while giving advice on all types of elder issues. http://www.OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org.