Bridge Senior Living’s Post

Dame Cicely Saunders, pioneer of modern hospice care, beautifully encapsulated our mission by saying: "You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die." Dame Saunders, a nurse and social worker, revolutionized end-of-life care by focusing on comfort, dignity, and holistic support for terminally ill patients and their families. In hospice care, we carry this torch forward. How do you bring Dame Cicely Saunders' philosophy to life in your daily work? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below. #HospiceCare #EndofLifeCare #CompassionateCare #LivingWell #MakingaDifference

HRWM's - Life, Health and Wealth™ -- Sandy Platamone -- Living with Death, Hospice & End of Life https://lnkd.in/gmarCtJK For this episode, we were lucky enough to have Sandy Platamone, a Registered Hospice Nurse, join us to discuss a topic that many of us turn away from. The three of us dive into the concept of living with death, end of life, and hospice care, as we share personal stories and experiences that have shaped our own views and outlook on the subject. Sandy provides us some insight as to how the hospice team and family members work together to create the most positive experience possible. Other useful tips include not rushing to hire a hospice service, interviewing the potential nurse/team, and putting in best efforts to keep a mindset filled with grace, dignity, and respect.

Exploring hospice care can be a journey of many questions. In our latest issue, we’re honored to feature an insightful piece by Olivia Rogers from VNA Texas. She offers her expert guidance on when it might be time to consider hospice care. Whether you're contemplating care for a loved one or just want to be informed, this article sheds light on the compassionate services that hospice offers, including the respite care that gives families much-needed support. Read her advice and learn how VNA’s Hospice & Palliative Care can guide you through these important decisions with grace and dignity. #HospiceCare #VNA #LivingWellMagazine

My father had a saying: " Anyone who doesn't love this life is crazy"! His father, my grandfather, ended each day with this declaration - and now it's a bit of a family motto. Optimism runs in the family. Assuredly, life isn't perfect, and living with a terminal illness is no exception. Did you know that for some people in hospice, their health may actually improve in the short term? There are many reasons for this - but consistent, personalized medical, nursing, social work, and spiritual care attention may be the answer. Contrary to public opinion, it is an absolute myth that hospice hastens death. One study by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Association found that patients with certain terminal diseases who chose hospice lived an average of 29 days longer than similar patients who did not receive hospice care. The goal of hospice care is always centered around quality of life. An example may be that a patient desires to make it to a special event ( birthday, wedding, anniversary, etc. ). Moments matter - and with hospice care, we'll help you embrace the present and face the future with grace, dignity, honesty, and respect by giving you and your loved ones the support that you need. #embracethemoment #momentsmatter #hospice #life #qualityoflife

One of the most common hospice myths is that it’s only for people who are expected to pass away in days or weeks. Misunderstandings like this can discourage families from learning more about the services and support that can improve quality of life for their loved ones and themselves. Education is the first step. Understand how hospice works and learn more about these 10 myths of hospice care. https://lnkd.in/gqqZQYsY #HospiceCare #HospiceMyths

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?

The UK General Election is only a few weeks away, CEOs and senior leaders from the Cheshire & Merseyside Hospice Provider Collaborative are calling for: • Recognition that hospice care and support services have a significant impact on local communities and that demand for services is increasing • A funding review that supports sustainable provision of end-of-life and palliative care services within hospices, across community-settings and in people’s own homes • NHSE to support the ICBs to work more supportively with hospices to continue to deliver high-quality palliative care, as outlined in the 2022 Health & Social Care Act • A commitment to maintaining centrally distributed NHSE funding for children’s hospices We hope to see meaningful support for adult and children’s hospices in party manifestos. Claire House Children's Hospice East Cheshire Hospice Halton Haven Hospice St Luke's Cheshire Hospice Hospice of the Good Shepherd Marie Curie UK Queenscourt Hospice St. Joseph's Hospice St. Rocco's Hospices @willowbrookhospice @wirralhospice @woodlands-hospice-charitable-trust #HospiceCare #Hospice #ChildrensHospice #EndOfLife #Palliative

Not sure if anyone has put it that way yet, but when you are in your last chapter of life, I know it is more of a pressing question. We have all heard, "What do you want to be when you grow up?", "What are you going to do when you retire?" but knowing your end game may be the most important type of planning you do to ensure that your family is not left making decisions. Not many people realize that there are many decisions that need to be made as life draws to a close. From financial planning to funeral arrangements, to understanding what happens to your estate when you are gone. We like to assume, but that typically doesn't turn out well. Both Palliative Care and Hospice programs can provide you with resources to help plan for your end game. You, and only you know what it is that you really want, and who you can count on to make it happen. Putting your decision down in ink helps to solidify those decisions, so no one has to guess or feel the burden of making decisions for you. The best time to do this is now while you still can make those decisions for yourself.

Choosing the best care for your loved one can be overwhelming. With so many options and unfamiliar terms, it’s hard to know where to start. That's where Senior Care Authority steps in to help. Our Placement Assistance service streamlines the process, helping you make informed choices with less stress. Here's how we make a difference: 🔍 Thorough Inspections: Our certified advisors inspect locations of all sizes and budgets. We meet staff, residents, and families, and review state reports for any citations or complaints. 🏡 Wide Range of Options: From Independent Living to Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing, we have the expertise to find the perfect fit for your loved one. 🤝 Personalized Support: Your advisor will accompany you on visits, answer all your questions, and assist with paperwork and negotiations. We’re with you every step of the way. 💸 No Cost to You: We are paid a referral fee by the communities and care homes so there is no cost to you for our placement services. In the rare case where we are not contracted with a community, your Advisor will let you know at the outset and explain any fees that might be incurred. You do not have to navigate this alone. Let us help you find the best care option for your loved one. ❤️ #SeniorCare #PlacementAssistance #ElderCare #CareOptions #SeniorLiving For more info, visit https://lnkd.in/gcr9d_-v

Hospice professionals have a special calling. Here are a few words from Gidgett, a Community Liaison with our Victoria office: When it comes to my job, I want everyone to know the true meaning of Hospice. As an individual, you have a choice in Hospice care, regardless of where you call home - whether it’s in a hospital, your home, assisted living, or a nursing home. Altus Hospice offers several specialty programs, including CBD treatment plans and Aromatherapy, which sets us apart from other agencies. It's essential to recognize that hospice care is not a diagnosis, but a care plan designed for individuals with terminal illnesses. Starting hospice care sooner can lead to a better quality of life during the end-of-life journey. Consider engaging hospice services when a prognosis is six months or less, rather than waiting until the final hours or days. This proactive approach enables the hospice team to offer comprehensive support, guidance, and resources to ease the transition. Please reach out to me or your local office if you or your loved one needs assistance. Even if you are at a crossroads and don’t quite need hospice I have over 15 years in senior care and can guide your family in the right direction. https://lnkd.in/gtWYwZRr #Hospice #OurCareFamily #HereForYou