November is Florida Hospice Month


Hospice is a special kind of care provided for those at the end of life, and Governor Rick Scott has declared this November as Florida Hospice Month. November is an opportunity for hospice providers statewide to raise awareness about hospice to patients and families who could benefit from the many services available. Some of these services include pain management, physical therapy, respite care, grief and bereavement therapy for loved ones, among many others. Hospice provides their services wherever the patient calls home, and works to empower the patient’s family by providing the needed support services. Hospice regards everyday as a gift, and strives to help patient’s achieve the best possible quality life.

 

“An important message we try to get out is that hospice cares about life.  If a patient has a life-limiting illness, hospice wants to help make every day of that patient’s life one of quality and substance. This care philosophy not only benefits the patient, but the family and loved ones as well.” says Paul Ledford, Executive Director of Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA).  “In 2011, over 112,000 patients experienced the care and comfort provided by hospice providers throughout Florida.  That is a lot of lives being touched already, but there are so many out there who need to know the benefits hospice can provide them.  Too often patients enroll in hospice within a week of their passing.  That’s not enough time for them to truly benefit from the available services, particularly since patients are eligible for the hospice benefit within their last 6 months of life.”

 

 

Read Gov. Scott’s Declaration