Making an Impact: Giving Careful Consideration
In the Making an Impact series, clients and services are featured to expand awareness of the wide array of help available at JFS and to ensure donors understand the lives they touch and the difference they make throughout the community.
Rosie was hospitalized for immediate, acute care for her many health issues. Upon discharge to a transitional care unit, it became clear that her family could no longer provide the extensive care she required. They needed to readmit her to the hospital to seek further treatment or pursue hospice arrangements to acknowledge and prepare for the end of her life.
Knowing the benefits of hospice care and comfort care, the case manager promoted this choice. She had many clients die alone in the hospital surrounded by medical professionals in gowns and didn’t want Rosie to die that way.
But the case manager quickly realized she needed to take a step back. She knew from very recent experience how hard it is to lose a parent. Even though she was trying to comfort Rosie and her family, it was important for her to encourage the family to take the time to consider the options, get the information they needed and consult with a variety of professionals.
Ultimately, they did choose hospice. Rosie died peacefully, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.