San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine urges the community to learn more about life-affirming services during National Hospice Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2010
CONTACT: Melissa DelaCalzada, San Diego Hospice, (619) 278-6139 cell; mdelacalzada@sdhospice.org [1]
November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine urges healthcare consumers to learn more about these vital services that focus on living life to the fullest.
Considered the best care available for patients and families coping with serious and life-limiting illness, hospice and palliative care uses a team approach in addressing the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of patients and their loved ones.
President and CEO Kathleen Pacurar [2] notes the importance of raising awareness about hospice and palliative care as the optimum healthcare choice for seriously ill patients.
“During the time when a patient is dealing with end-of-life issues, life can be quite chaotic, particularly trying to make sense out of all of the information that is presented. This is where San Diego Hospice can provide a wonderful layer of support, including superb medical care for symptom and pain management, and intensive team support for the patient and their loved ones,” said Pacurar.
Research from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization has found that families report a better quality of life for a loved one who received hospice care. Studies have also shown that hospice and palliative care may prolong the lives of some people who receive care.
With the help of hospice, patients and families alike can focus on what is most important: enjoying life together and making the most of each moment for as long as life lasts.
“My mom was one of the first hospice nurses in our area when I was growing up,” noted Pacurar. “I saw firsthand the meaningful impact that hospice care had on patients and their families. I became aware of how hospice can change one’s experience from despair, to empowerment and comfort, and how it really was about what we do with this part of our life and making it the most meaningful experience possible.”
If you or a loved one is facing a serious or life-limiting illness, the time to find out more about hospice and palliative care is right now. There is more that can be done. Visit online at http://www.sdhospice.org/itstime/ [3] or call toll-free at 1-866-688-1600 for more information.
About San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine
San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine (www.sdhospice.org [4]) is one of the largest community-owned, not-for-profit hospices in the country. The organization brings compassionate, expert medical care to more than 1,000 seriously ill adults and children each day throughout San Diego and North County. In addition to patient care, The Institute for Palliative Medicine at San Diego Hospice (www.palliativemed.org [5]) is internationally recognized for its excellence in innovative education programs, patient/family-centered research and evidence-based advocacy since 1989. For more information, call toll-free 1-866-688-1600.
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