Dear Editor,

No one likes to think about death and dying, but it’s something everyone has to face eventually. There’s an incredible resource in our community that provides comfort, dignity and respect to all those coping with a serious or life-limiting illness. It’s Hospice of Chesterfield County.

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time to reach out to our community to raise awareness about the compassionate care that hospice provides. One of the most important messages to help people understand is that hospice care helps patients and families focus on living.

Birthed by area churches with support from the local community, Hospice of Chesterfield County has been providing comprehensive compassionate care and support services for those in the final stages of life since 1993. When a cure is no longer available, the specialized care team at Hospice of Chesterfield County provides comfort measures that allow patients to enjoy their lives to the fullest.

The hospice team provides expert medical care to keep patients comfortable and able to enjoy time with loved ones. The hospice team answers questions, offers advice on what to expect, and helps families with the duties of being a caregiver. The team also provides emotional and spiritual support for the entire family.

Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid in most states, and by most insurance plans and HMOs. As a non-profit organization, Hospice of Chesterfield County will not deny or diminish care for any individual due to an inability to pay. Hospice care is provided in the home, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and long term care centers.

Hospice care is available to people of all ages, with any illness. Hospice professionals and trained volunteers will ask you what’s important and listen to what you say. They make your wishes a priority.

If you or a loved one is facing a serious or life-limiting illness, the time to find out more about hospice and palliative care is right now. At Hospice of Chesterfield County, we want everyone to live out their days with the highest quality of life possible.

Sincerely,

John H. Douglas

Executive Director