Monterey, CA – November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month and hospices across the country are reaching out to raise awareness about the highest quality care for all people coping with life-limiting illness. VNA & Hospice is one of the local non-profit agency providing both hospice and home health palliative care.
Monterey County has a population of 431,3441, with a projection of 3,286 deaths per year and yet only 2-300 patients utilize the hospice benefit in this region. “The oft-misunderstood concept of hospice isn’t about giving up, but rather making the best of our remaining days and bringing an individualized plan of care to the patient and family wherever they call home.” says Jane Russo, Administrator for Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice (VNA).
Hospice is not a place. Hospice and palliative care programs provide pain management, symptom control, psychosocial support, and spiritual care to patients and their families when a cure is not possible. Hospice and palliative care combines the highest level of quality medical care with the emotional and spiritual support that families need most when facing the end of life. Through this specialized quality care, we see many patients and their families experience more meaningful moments together.
Many patients and families often ask, “How could we have had hospice care soon?” And recently, our Monterey patient shared “how all of the staff are very gentle, strong awareness and speak so softly. The visits are always timely for care.”
With a particular focus in November, VNA & Hospice will be joining organizations across the nation hosting activities that will help the community understand the important hospice and palliative care. One of these events is by honoring our men and women that have served in the military with special Veteran’s Day Ceremony recognition and pinning. Each veteran will receive a pin of honor, certificate and poppy flowers.
More information about hospice, palliative care, and advance care planning is available from VNA & Hospice (831) 751-5500 www.ccvna.com