Learn how hospice can help you and your family before you need it. Hospice is a special healthcare option for patients and families who are faced with a terminal illness. Care focuses on pain and symptom management with the goal of enhancing the quality of life.
Helen Arentsen
Hospice of Southern Illinois’ approach is multi-disciplinary and includes the area’s only full-time physician, pharmacist, nurse practitioner, nurses, hospice aides, social workers, bereavement counselors, and volunteers who, together, form a support team around each patient. We address issues most important to the patients’ wants and needs at the end of their life while focusing on comfort care and quality of life. We often hear, “We wish we had called hospice sooner”. Two families share their hospice experience. While both are positive, the duration of their care differs. The Simpson’s story includes a beautiful testimony of being able to utilize many programs and services Hospice of Southern Illinois offers over several months. The Arentsen’s story, using hospice care for only a few days, shares their desire to have the support and care for a longer period of time. Hospice of Southern Illinois, however, still was able to keep their mom comfortable and at peace. Hospice of Southern Illinois hopes stories like these offer guidance to individuals and their families on learning how hospice can help before and when it is needed!
Dana Simpson and her Hospice of Southern Illinois’ nurse
Dana and husband, Brad, share their hospice experience with Hospice of Southern Illinois’ care. They encourage other families in their position to ask how hospice can help earlier, rather than later. Dana’s hospice care has enabled her and her husband to get extra support, medication, equipment, symptom management and emotional support they need to make the most of the months they have together.
Jim, Helen’s son, Bonnie, Jim’s wife and Helen’s daughter-in-law, & Deb Arentsen, Helen’s daughter-in-law, share their hospice experience of their mother, Helen Arentsen. Helen only received hospice care for a short time, however, her family was left with reassurance that their mom was comfortable and at peace during her final days. They encourage other families to ask how hospice can help earlier, rather than waiting because the additional support for the whole family, but most importantly, ensuring the comfort and dignity of their mom, Helen.
Not sure when to call Hospice of Southern Illinois? The best time to learn about hospice care is before you need it. Click here to learn more about hospice care today, or call, 1-800-233-1708, to speak with a nurse or social worker about end-of-life care that is right for you or your loved one. There comes a time… to ask how hospice can help.
