“Meeting You Where You Are”
Hospice has been providing end-of-life support to patients and families for over 40 years with a holistic approach to care rooted in dignity and compassion. During the month of November, we recognize National Hospice and Palliative Care Month as a time to acknowledge and celebrate those carrying out this vital work, while also raising awareness amongst communities about what hospice is and the hope that it offers.
This year, the theme for National Hospice and Palliative Care Month is “Meeting You Where You Are.” At Hospice of the Northwest, we embrace end-of-life care with a holistic approach that helps us meet patients where they are in more than just a physical sense. As Bob Laws, executive director for Hospice of the Northwest, puts it, “Whatever matters most to the patient and their loved ones is what matters most to us.” What does this look like practically? Here are 4 ways that Hospice of the Northwest meets you where you are, wherever you are in your end-of-life journey.
Coming to you to provide care, wherever you call home.
Whether you’re in a private residence, full-time care facility, homeless shelter, or somewhere else, we will come to you. The communities we serve are in Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Snohomish counties. Whether it takes a drive or a ferry trip, we’ll meet you wherever you call home.
Providing personalized care with your own designated care team
At-home hospice care can include many treatments, therapies, and services to improve comfort and quality of life. Your dedicated hospice care team consists of a board-certified hospice physician, registered nurse, social worker, spiritual counselor, and additional service providers as needed. Your team will partner with you to create a personalized care plan focused on your goals complemented by a variety of therapies and services tailored to meet your needs. From addressing physical discomfort to exploring alternative therapies and treatments for symptom relief, we’re here to provide the care that gives you the most comfort.
Respecting your cultural and spiritual beliefs
Spiritual care is an important aspect of the end-of-life journey. As a part of your dedicated care team with Hospice of the Northwest, you will have access to a spiritual counselor who is available to listen to your stories and be a place of unconditional acceptance for your experience–whether you have a religious affiliation or not. As you face some of the bigger questions that come up at the end of life, your spiritual counselor will walk with you and help you unpack what is meaningful to you.
Honoring your wishes and end-of-life goals to the best of our ability
Health care can (and should) work for the people that it serves. At Hospice of the Northwest, you get to define what quality of life means to you. We provide you with a dedicated care team of experts to craft a holistic care plan, but the recommendations we make stem from your wishes and your goals. We are firm supporters and advocates for patient autonomy and consent, so from the referral process to making adjustments in your personalized care plan, your voice matters.
At Hospice of the Northwest, we’re honoring National Hospice and Palliative Care Month through a variety of community outreach and team appreciation activities.
“It is especially important that we recognize our incredible team in November,” says Laws. “They make a remarkable difference in the lives of our patients and their loved ones. It’s an honor and privilege to work alongside such caring, compassionate people.”
Community outreach activities will focus on increasing awareness, helping the public understand the benefits of hospice and the importance of advance care planning.
About Hospice of the Northwest
Hospice of the Northwest has been serving northwest Washington since 1989, bringing hope to individuals and families who need end-of-life care. We are an award-winning, Medicare-certified, state approved hospice. Hospice of the Northwest helps you live fully with dignity and on your own terms.