UCHealth’s Post

Over the years, our team at Honor Hospice has had the privilege of speaking with many individuals in hospice as well as their families and friends. One common theme that has always stood out is the incredible impact of leaving behind something special for loved ones—whether it's a letter, a note, or a small gift. These acts of love become treasured memories, offering comfort and a sense of closeness even after passing. Many of those receiving hospice care have shared how meaningful it is to plan ahead, especially around things that hold personal significance—like a favorite holiday, milestone birthday, or cherished tradition. For example, one person took joy in writing Christmas cards for her grandchildren, planning them for the Christmas after she was gone. Knowing how much she loved this tradition, the kids found comfort in those cards during their first Christmas without her, feeling as if she was still part of the celebration. These moments are powerful. They help families and friends continue to create happy memories, to celebrate the bond that remains, and to feel the ongoing presence of their loved one in their lives. Others have written letters labeled, “Open me when you have a bad day,” or notes for a spouse that say, “Open me when you miss me sleeping beside you.” Some prepare messages for specific life events—a note for a first day of school, a graduation, or an important birthday. I encourage anyone in hospice to consider these small acts of love. It's a way to leave behind not just a memory, but a piece of your heart, to be felt and cherished during life’s special moments. # HonorHospice #Hospice #BecauseWeCare #ExpertCareExceptionalCompassion #HospiceCare #LastingMemories #LoveBeyond #CherishedMoments #FamilyForever

💙 Focusing on Gratitude and Reflection in Hospice In hospice care, gratitude and reflection can make a profound difference for patients and families. At Amedicus Hospice, we encourage families to find peace and meaning during this difficult time by focusing on what truly matters: • Focusing on What Matters 🧡: Hospice care encourages reflection on meaningful relationships and cherished moments. • Cherishing Memories 🌿: Reflecting on happy memories can bring a sense of peace and comfort. • Finding Peace in Reflection 💙: Gratitude helps individuals and families find peace, even during challenging moments. Find out more about how gratitude can help you navigate the end-of-life journey at www.amedicushospice.org or call (469) 389-1028. #GratitudeInHospice #HospiceCare #Reflection #AmedicusHospice

Check out how Topkare Hospice honors life for those who choose our hospice services.

My heart wrenched as I watched this video. It was a hard video to watch, especially when Andrew answered the question: Do you want to die at home or in a hospice?" A powerful reminder of hospices' vital work in providing compassionate care during difficult times. I asked myself what was it like for Andrew to make that video. In those first few seconds, you could see a change in his expression as he answered, realising that whatever brought him to St Francis Hospice - who are very good, by the way - his situation was undeniably real. It's a tough place to be. Watching this video made me reflect on how often we are encouraged to be grateful for even the slightest things. While this is a good practice, I invite you to take this further. Consider this: Are you noticing what you are constantly thinking about? Are you replaying past situations, incidents or comments that hurt you? Do you continue to relive it? Because stress is widely recognised as a significant factor contributing to many illnesses. Notice what you are thinking about and ask yourself if those thoughts are serving you to live a happier life. Is it worth it? As morbid as it sounds, the Stoics had a phrase worth remembering: memento mori—remember you will die - as a profound reminder of our mortality and the impermanence of life. I repeat it to myself whenever I notice I'm making a big deal out of nothing. Make the most of your week ahead.

Did you know that Children’s hospices rely on grants and charitable donations to provide vital services to children and their families - from play to medical care, to respite care and advocacy? Without services such as these provided to my family and our daughter, I don’t know how we would have coped during her short life. Community NHS support is a postcode lottery with long waiting lists, so the closure of a children’s hospice should worry everyone - even if you’re fortunate enough to never need one. What can you do? ✅ Support your local hospice by taking part in fundraisers, volunteering or donating. £40 provides an hour of nursing care ✅ Follow and support charities like Together for Short Lives, which further supports families of children with life-limiting conditions (for example, we were gifted a mini break to make memories and received the Butterfly Fund to assist with funeral costs) ✅ Write to your MP and sign petitions to ensure vital services aren’t lost and vulnerable children can live their lives with dignity and care.

One of our volunteers, Ed, is a stellar human being and we are very lucky to have him on our team. He used to be a Hospice Social Worker and now just serves others out of his own sense of purpose and we are grateful to have him on this team. The other day he shared a quote from Maya Angelou, "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." Ed took the time to remind us some important things and I thought this message was important enough to share here. As hospice workers, we have a unique opportunity to help bring peace to patients and families during the end of life journey. One of the ways we can do this is by helping people tell their story without judgement. We can be there as a listening ear. We can pull in our social worker or chaplain to expand on this listening and even bring in a volunteer. We can take it a step further and help them by recording or writing down their life review. We can help our patients get in contact with family. Truly, sometimes there are unspoken apologies that once said, or even once written down (as that might be easier) can release so much agony in a person. In what ways do you as a healthcare worker help your patients tell their own stories?

💙 Planning Ahead for Hospice: Why It Matters At Amedicus Hospice, we believe that early planning for hospice care can make a significant difference for families. Here’s why it’s so important: • Peace of Mind 🧠: Planning ahead reduces stress, providing clarity for families during a difficult time. • More Time for Quality Moments 🕰️: When care plans are in place early, families can focus on spending meaningful time together. • Honoring Wishes 🌿: Having conversations early ensures that your loved one’s preferences and desires are respected. We’re here to guide you through every step. Learn more about planning for hospice care at www.amedicushospice.org or contact us at (469) 389-1028. #HospicePlanning #PeaceOfMind #AmedicusHospice

"Thanks-giving," STB&S Roundtable, 12 PM - 1 PM US EST, Wednesday, November 27, 2024 (NOTE ONE-TIME CHANGE IN DAY) Tomorrow, Thursday, November 28, those of us in the United States will celebrate the traditional Thanksgiving holiday. Later today, Wednesday, November 27, I will be hosting our annual “Thanks-giving” roundtable.   As I have written on previous occasion, I prefer the use of the hyphen: Thanks-giving – the giving of deep “thanks” for all the gifts we have been given. The gifts of life, health, family, and friends. Of love and kindness. Of grace and spirit. Viewed as such, the celebration of Thanks-giving is neither US-centric nor religious. Instead, the practice of Thanks-giving can (and must) be universal.   So, wherever you may be located and whatever time zone you may be in, please join the roundtable, even if for just a few minutes. It will be great to “see” you and to connect or reconnect in our annual celebration of Thanks-giving.   Sincerely, Anirudh.

In our latest episode, we speak with Chairman of the Board for Living in Dying, POSLT and hospice educator, Arnetta Robinson. People think about living well, but have you considered dying well? What would it look like if you had it your way? We spend time planning the important moments in our lives- weddings, births of our children, but what about the last moment of your life? Lean in to the gift of hospice.

Engaging in conversations about hospice and end-of-life care can be uncomfortable for some, but for others, it comes naturally. Speaking from personal experience as a family member who once needed hospice care for a loved one, I’ve learned that it makes a significant difference when having these conversations. Here are some insights I’ve gained: When engaging with families or patients, I actively listen. People want to be heard during this crucial time in their lives. They often share their life experiences, reminiscing about their travels, hobbies, and passions. Whether it's a master gardener talking about their love for gardening or someone wishing to see the ocean one last time with their lifelong partner, listening to these stories is vital. They want to be treated with respect and dignity. In the last days of their lives, they want to live as comfortably as possible, free from pain and worry. Providing reassurance to patients and their families that death is a natural part of life and it's okay to let go and be free is crucial. If your heart is in the right place and you love what you do, work will never feel like work but a reward. Caring for those who need guidance through this crucial time is what I strive to do. #caring #compassion #hospice