Collin County Living Well Magazine May/June 2020 | Page 33
OLIVIA ROGERS
Olivia is a leading voice in health care
and senior services and the Chief
Nursing Officer of VNA Texas.
Dear Olivia,
We are considering putting my aunt on hospice for a long-
term illness that is worsening. Our biggest reservation is
that we have heard that once someone goes on hospice, the
regular medications are stopped, and morphine is started.
She’s been on some of these medications for years and they
really seem to help her. If we choose hospice, do we have to
stop all regular medications?
~Questions about medications
Dear Questions about medications,
There is a common misconception about hospice that
when someone elects hospice, they have to give up all of
their other medications and start “comfort” medications
right away, such as morphine. At VNA, we try to dispel
this myth, as it is our goal to treat the whole patient and
not only the terminal illness. We aim to do whatever is
necessary to enhance someone’s quality of life. Many of
our patients continue maintenance medications, such as
blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, sleep aides,
and antibiotics. We will not discontinue medications
unless it has been determined by the physician that there is
potential harm or they are no longer beneficial. Decisions
are made collaboratively between the patient, family and
the doctor. Every hospice treatment plan is as unique as the
patient.
~Olivia
Dear Olivia,
I’ve heard a lot about “group homes.” What are these homes
and are they safe? We are starting to look for a place for
my mother-in-law. She has become weaker and we are not
sure how much longer we can take care of her on our own.
We want to make sure we choose a place that is safe and
provides adequate care.
~How do you know?
Dear How do you know,
That is a great question as group homes, or residential
care facilities (RCFs) as they are known in the health care
community, are springing up everywhere. This concept is
not new, but it has become more popular in the last several
years as the cost of other forms of long-term care increases.
RCFs are actual homes in neighborhoods that are run as
a business, often operated by a nurse or physician. They
are regulated by the State of Texas if there are more than
three residents living in the home and are licensed by the
state licensing body known as HCSSA. This licensure and
oversight ensure these homes are providing quality care
and have the necessary fire and safety measures. This
should give residents and their families peace of mind as
these facilities are surveyed at least every three years. For
help in determining what facility is right for your loved one,
contact one of our medical social workers at VNA. We are
here to help!
~Olivia
vnatexas.org
N I J H
ACCREDITED
VNA Hospice Care VNA Care Choices
VNA Hospice Care focuses on living life to its fullest
and treating you with the dignity and respect you
deserve. As a nonprofit, our bottom line is patient
support and comprehensive care provided by our
highly qualified staff. Following the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness,
patients and their loved ones have many questions
about the best course of action. VNA Care Choices
provides supportive care services in the home while
continuing treatment with your current physician.
To schedule your free in-home informational visit please call (214) 689-2989 or email [email protected]
For volunteer opportunities please call (214) 689-2271 or email [email protected]
COLLIN COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MAY/JUNE 2020
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