Changing the Way We Die: Compassionate End of Life Care and The Hospice Movement
“Nobody wants to die badly.” With that opening line, cowriters Smith and Himmel proceed to persuasively explain why no one should ever have to. Hospice is a philosophy and program that maximizes the quality of remaining life by delivering compassionate care with a holistic approach. Its focus is on easing suffering. In addition to medical and nursing services, hospice provides assistance with practical needs, counseling, and bereavement services. Volunteers play a huge role. Over 400,000 individuals volunteer at more than 5,000 hospice programs in the United States. Hospice has grown into a $14 billion industry. Medicare, Medicaid, and many private health-insurance plans cover hospice services for individuals whose life expectancy is six months or less. Many people still wait too long to enroll. The history of the hospice mission and its evolution in America are well summarized. Smith and Himmel provide inspiring stories about patients, families, physicians, and the entire hospice experience. When the time comes, most Americans prefer to die at home, devoid of pain and surrounded by loved ones. As this book reveals, hospice can help. --Tony Miksanek