EDITOR:
November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. It is a wonderful time to celebrate this important type of care because it has a very important history at OSF HealthCare. Our founding Sisters, the Sisters of The Third Order of St. Francis, began caring for people in their homes in 1884 when they arrived here in Escanaba. Records indicate that some pioneer Sisters rode donated bicycles to the homes of those they cared for; others walked where they were needed.
Each November, we celebrate our mission of serving persons with the greatest care and love. As part of that Mission, we never turn away anyone who needs our services. We celebrate those who have been called to provide this care - our staff, volunteers and clergy. We also celebrate our patients - the reason we were called to healthcare - and rededicate ourselves to providing the compassionate care each human deserves to experience when it is most needed. We celebrate the family members and friends of our patients. We renew our commitment to serve where we are called.
We are proud of our efforts to bring comfort when illness cannot be cured. Improving the quality of the lives of our patients is always at the forefront of our care efforts, whether in hospital, nursing facility or at home. In most instances, wherever possible, patients want to be cared for in their homes if facing a life-limiting illness. Hospice makes this happen; almost 70 percent of patients receive care in their place of residence. Whether it's the family home, nursing home, residential facility, or hospice inpatient setting, hospice teams strive to reach all appropriate patients and families wherever compassionate end-of-life care is needed.
Hospice care provides care and support, including pain and symptom management, to people of all ages with a terminal illness. Our team treats the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and families, including bereavement care. All the necessary equipment and medications are provided as well.
There is often confusion between the terms hospice and palliative care, which share similar goals of providing symptom relief and pain management. Palliative care is appropriate for anyone with a serious, complex illness, whether they are expected to recover fully, live with chronic illness for an extended time, or to experience disease progression. Palliative care does not delay the disease itself or provide a cure. It relieves suffering and improves the quality of life for people with the disease.
We appreciate everyone who provides this important care at OSF. Their dedication, expertise and hard work truly show our mission in action.
Ronald H Bissett, MD, Faafp
Hospice And Palliative Care Medical Director
OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group