OLIVIA ROGERS Olivia is a leading voice in health care and senior services and the Chief Nursing Officer of VNA Texas .
Dear Olivia , My husband is coming home from the hospital after a long battle with cancer and we are overwhelmed with the thought of how to care for him at home . I know the VNA will help us by providing hospice care at home , but we just don ’ t know what to say to him and if we should avoid talking about dying so that he does not give up hope . My grown children and I just don ’ t know how to help him be at peace or how to make the most of the time left . Can you help ?
-Don ’ t Know What to Say
Dear Don ’ t Know What to Say , Bringing a loved one home on hospice care can be a scary experience , and the hospice team is here to help with these difficult questions . While families are coping with their grief and that of their family members , it is normal to want to put on a “ brave face ” for the patient . One of the things that I have learned through working in hospice for so many years is that each person deals with his or her dying in their unique way based on their own beliefs and culture . Some patients will talk openly about their prognosis and dying experience . Some do not wish to talk about this at all , and this applies to family members also . There is no “ right way ” to navigate this process , but our hospice team will be there to help you decide what feels the most comfortable and comforting for you and your loved one . Our social workers , bereavement counselors , and spiritual support staff are all trained in the unique art of hospice care and counseling to help you as you have meaningful conversations , love , and support your husband and other family members . We also have a child life specialist trained in helping younger family members work through this process . Our team will surround you with the support you need so that you can best support your family through this difficult time . Our goal is to help you bring the best quality of life possible to your loved one ’ s final days .
~ Olivia
VNA Hospice Care
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 care provided by our highly qualified staff .
VNA Care Choices
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 .
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