Helping Hospice
Monroe Clinic's hospice community programs depend upon the support of the communities served. Join the 17th Annual Hospice Mini Golf Outing while giving a helping hand to hospice. Enjoy a casual, fun-filled evening of mini golf, door prizes and dinner at the New Glarus Hotel. Here's what you need to know:
Where: Swissland Miniature Golf Course and New Glarus Hotel in New Glarus.
When: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29
Cost: $75 per person
Deadline: Register by Sept. 21
Call (608) 324-1230 for more information or to register.
True or False: Hospice only accommodates the ill patient.
False. While hospice care is centered on caring for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the terminally ill, many people do not realize hospice also offers support for the loved ones who are caring for and grieving with our patients.
During visits, a team of registered nurses, nurse's aides and home health aides is available to the patient's family to answer questions, educate them on care approaches or simply lend a sympathetic ear. The family also has access to an on-call nurse at all times to help them with any questions or concerns.
Hospice volunteers are specially trained to not only provide support to patients but also to family members during their visits. If you need to step out of the house for a bit, hospice volunteers can provide relief and keep the patient company. Special canine volunteers also serve in the hospice dog program spreading a unique blend of joy and contentment during their visits. All volunteer services are offered at no charge to provide exceptional comfort to family members and patients.
True or False: Hospice means that the patient will die soon.
False. Just because a patient and family choose to receive hospice care does not mean that they are giving up or that the patient has very limited time left. Patients and families that choose to receive hospice care earlier rather than later have more opportunities to stabilize the medical condition of the patient and address other issues or needs.
True or False: Bereavement programs are expensive.
False. Bereavement programs at Monroe Clinic are offered to the community free of charge. Even after the patient has passed away, hospice care continues for the patient's family. One form of this care is HEAL (Hope Eternal After Loss), a grief education and support group that gathers during a six-week session facilitated by a grief counselor. HEAL is open to adults who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Learn more about the grieving process and ideas for coping and healing in a safe, supportive setting. The next session will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday mornings beginning Sept. 2 in the St. Camillus Center, 2101 6th St. A Hispanic HEAL group will meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday mornings beginning Sept. 12 at the same location.
True or False: Everyone grieves differently.
True. Grief is a normal response to loss. The process is painful and can seem unending, and no one has the same experience when dealing with grief. Some individuals choose to ignore and avoid all the emotions associated with grief. However, experts believe that choosing to ignore these emotions only will continue to give you mental and physical pain. Not accepting the loss you've experienced can run you down mentally because of the constant need to make up excuses of why he or she may not be with you. This can even lead to physical fatigue.
Other individuals choose to recognize the pain they feel. By recognizing the emotions you are feeling, you can begin to heal and grow. The process may be slow and difficult, but you are more likely to heal than if you choose to ignore the symptoms of grief.
While we may not all grieve the same way, we all go through a basic mourning process. It is important to acknowledge any emotions you are having over the loss of a loved one. Talk to a hospice team member or your provider if you are concerned about the care of a family member or yourself.
- Carla Stadel, RN, BSN, is the director of Monroe Clinic hospice and home care. To learn more about hospice's services and enrollment, call (608) 324-1230 or toll-free at 800-367-8406.
False. While hospice care is centered on caring for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the terminally ill, many people do not realize hospice also offers support for the loved ones who are caring for and grieving with our patients.
During visits, a team of registered nurses, nurse's aides and home health aides is available to the patient's family to answer questions, educate them on care approaches or simply lend a sympathetic ear. The family also has access to an on-call nurse at all times to help them with any questions or concerns.
Hospice volunteers are specially trained to not only provide support to patients but also to family members during their visits. If you need to step out of the house for a bit, hospice volunteers can provide relief and keep the patient company. Special canine volunteers also serve in the hospice dog program spreading a unique blend of joy and contentment during their visits. All volunteer services are offered at no charge to provide exceptional comfort to family members and patients.
True or False: Hospice means that the patient will die soon.
False. Just because a patient and family choose to receive hospice care does not mean that they are giving up or that the patient has very limited time left. Patients and families that choose to receive hospice care earlier rather than later have more opportunities to stabilize the medical condition of the patient and address other issues or needs.
True or False: Bereavement programs are expensive.
False. Bereavement programs at Monroe Clinic are offered to the community free of charge. Even after the patient has passed away, hospice care continues for the patient's family. One form of this care is HEAL (Hope Eternal After Loss), a grief education and support group that gathers during a six-week session facilitated by a grief counselor. HEAL is open to adults who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Learn more about the grieving process and ideas for coping and healing in a safe, supportive setting. The next session will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday mornings beginning Sept. 2 in the St. Camillus Center, 2101 6th St. A Hispanic HEAL group will meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday mornings beginning Sept. 12 at the same location.
True or False: Everyone grieves differently.
True. Grief is a normal response to loss. The process is painful and can seem unending, and no one has the same experience when dealing with grief. Some individuals choose to ignore and avoid all the emotions associated with grief. However, experts believe that choosing to ignore these emotions only will continue to give you mental and physical pain. Not accepting the loss you've experienced can run you down mentally because of the constant need to make up excuses of why he or she may not be with you. This can even lead to physical fatigue.
Other individuals choose to recognize the pain they feel. By recognizing the emotions you are feeling, you can begin to heal and grow. The process may be slow and difficult, but you are more likely to heal than if you choose to ignore the symptoms of grief.
While we may not all grieve the same way, we all go through a basic mourning process. It is important to acknowledge any emotions you are having over the loss of a loved one. Talk to a hospice team member or your provider if you are concerned about the care of a family member or yourself.
- Carla Stadel, RN, BSN, is the director of Monroe Clinic hospice and home care. To learn more about hospice's services and enrollment, call (608) 324-1230 or toll-free at 800-367-8406.
