Nov 10, 2009 By Herald Standard Staff 3 min read

November is not only a time of thanksgiving, but also National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time to raise awareness about important care issues for people coping with life-limiting illness. As part of National Hospice Month, Hospice Care Corporation will hold an open house at its Carmichael’s office at 102 Carmichael’s Plaza from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 17.

Hospice staff will be on hand with information on a variety of end-of-life issues.

The event is open to the public, and the community is encouraged to attend.

“Everyone deals with end-of-life situations whether it’s for them, someone they love, or in support of a friend, and we want to reach out and assist,” said Cynthia Woodyard, vice president of public affairs and access.

The goal of the open house is help people to learn more about the concept of hospice and to provide information about end-of-life planning.

Hospice employees will be available to speak directly with every individual, provide options and to answer questions.

“The public needs to know what’s available to them within the Hospice Benefit through Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances, especially since the need for hospice services is on the rise among the elderly and baby boomers,” said Woodyard.

According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, the number of people needing hospice services in the United States is growing.

“Last year, more than 1.4 million people living with a life-limiting illness received care from hospice and palliative care providers in this country,” said J. Donald Schumacher, president and CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.

“These highly-trained professionals don’t only provide quality medical care. They work to make sure patients and families find dignity, respect, and love during life’s most difficult journey.”

Hospice is more than traditional healthcare. Hospice and palliative care programs provide pain management, symptom control, psychosocial support, and spiritual care to patients and their families when a cure is not possible.

Hospice and palliative care combines the highest level of quality medical care with the emotional and spiritual support that families need most when facing the end of life.

Throughout the month of November, Hospice Care Corporation will provide important information on health care issues, costs, important facts about hospice, and tips for caregivers, and dispel the myths of hospice care.

“Our goal is to provide information that people need to make the important healthcare decisions,” said Woodyard.

Additional information about hospice, palliative care, and advance care planning is available from Hospice Care Corporation by calling 1-866-656-9790 or visiting www.hospicecarecorp.org.