Making the decision to choose Hospice is rarely easy.
For Don, however, there was no other option. His cancer had progressed to the point where medical treatment was having no positive effect and he could no longer keep a brave face for his family.
Along with his wife, Erma, Don told their grown children about his decision to have Hospice care. While uncertain, they drew some comfort knowing that Dad would be able to remain at home—with his favorite old recliner, decades’ worth of family photos and Mom by his side.
When Annie, their Hospice & Community Care nurse, first came into the house, her kindness and assurance immediately put Don and Erma at ease. She took great care teaching Erma about Don’s new medications. Annie connected the couple with a social worker to help Erma decipher the mounds of medical paperwork, an aide to help Don with a shower, and a chaplain to talk with Erma and Don. Later, the family would share with Annie how they could never have gotten through this without Dad’s “amazing Hospice team.”
As days turned into weeks, Don’s condition worsened and Erma grew weary caring for her husband’s increasing health needs. Their adult children were scattered throughout the state and overwhelmed with having to juggle the realities of Covid-19—working from home, managing their children’s at-home schooling and restrictions on travel and gatherings. When Erma did not think she could continue, Don’s Hospice team arranged for Erma to have respite care so she could re-charge herself enough to once again care for her husband. Just like the rest of the Hospice team, the respite volunteer left Erma confident that Don was being well cared for.
Hospice is about memories
Over the next few weeks, Don and Erma were able to create new memories including an intimate anniversary dinner and a “virtual” 1st birthday party for their grandson. Hospice is not about the illness. It’s about having time to be together. It’s about having time to say goodbye. It’s about love.
Hospice cannot cure, but it can help to heal
Don was able to live with dignity, surrounded by family and friends. His wife and children were able to be his family without having to worry about every aspect of his care. Saying goodbye was difficult but everyone was at peace, knowing that they all lived better because of Hospice & Community Care.
Don’s story is a great example of how Hospice & Community Care has continued to care for patients in the face of the global pandemic. The organization’s mission of “providing care and comfort to help patients and families live better with serious illness through end of life” has remained steadfast.
Virtual Labor Day Auction
Now you can support Hospice & Community Care and give back to patients and families, like Don and Erma, by participating in the Virtual Labor Day Auction.
The uncertainty of the pandemic is not going to stop the organization from holding its annual Labor Day Auction. Now you can enjoy most of the benefits of the Auction for two weeks from the safety and comfort of home from September 1 to 15.
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The energy of the crowd will be missed, but the Virtual Auction will still create a buzz of excitement with great items like hand-made quilts, jewelry, original artwork, vacation getaways, sports memorabilia and more. All items will be up for bid at LaborDayAuction.org. Please note that we will not be holding a Plant Auction or Used Item Auction this year, and the Auction food that so many people have come to love will now be available during a separate event organized and hosted by the Amish community.
Please visit LaborDayAuction.org for frequent updates and information about the Auction. You may also visit the site to subscribe to auction-related emails, text messages and web notifications to keep up-to-date.
The extensive care provided by Hospice & Community Care is not fully covered by Medicare and other insurance. For 40 years, Hospice & Community Care has relied on the generosity of the community to ensure that personalized end-of-life care is available to anyone in need, regardless of their ability to pay. Support the Labor Day Auction and support all those in our community coping with serious illness, facing end of life or loss.
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