Hospice Care: It May Not Be What You Think

Hospice care can bring up feelings of fear and apprehension. It doesn’t have to, though. In fact, hospice care can be a time of support, connection, and peace.

Shawn Schmitt discusses how hospice provides a whole system approach to end-of-life care. She also covers the practical and emotional sides of death and dying, dispels myths about hospice care, and normalizes the experience.

Shawn is the Community Liaison and Social Media Manager at Suncrest Hospice, where the mission is to provide quality care and customer service to patients, families, and referring sources.

Before working in the hospice industry, Shawn held roles in pharmaceutical sales and community wellness education. Shawn received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Moravian University and recently sat on the Lehigh Valley Aging in Place Coalition board.

Resources:

Friends Life Care:

Suncrest Hospice:

0:00 - Introduction and Music
0:23 - Introduction of Guest Shawn Schmitt
1:00 - Shawn Schmitt's Background and Introduction
1:46 - Discussion on Hospice Services
3:55 - Overcoming Fear and Apprehension about Hospice Care
7:07 - Importance of Early Hospice Care
9:47 - Exploring Hospice Care Options
10:08 - Evaluation and Assessment for Hospice Eligibility
11:44 - Compassionate Care in Hospice Services
13:20 - Difference Between Hospice Care and Palliative Care
16:02 - Palliative Care Explained
20:28 - Evaluating Goals of Care in Decision Making
22:02 - Dispelling Myths About Hospice Care
22:31 - Myth: Giving Up Hope in Hospice Care
24:19 - Myth: Limited Time on Hospice (6 months)
25:31 - Myth: Hospice Only for Cancer Patients
27:00 - Myth: Hospice is a Place to Go to Die
28:01 - Myth: All Hospices Are the Same
29:19 - Myth: Families Have to Pay for Hospice Care
29:56 - Myth: Hospice is Only for the Patient
30:53 - Additional Facts: Keeping Your Physician and Rights in Hospice Care
31:01 - Advertisement: Friends Life Care Membership
31:32 - Discussion on Suncrest Hospice and Whole System Approach
36:04 - Suncrest Hospice's Unique Offerings
41:02 - Reflections on Music Therapy and Five Wishes Document
43:55 - Imparting Feelings to Loved Ones After Hospice Care
45:00 - Emotional Support for Families
47:21 - Guidance for Solo Agers Considering Hospice Care
50:27 - Final Thoughts on Hospice Care
54:21 - Closing Remarks and Gratitude
55:01 - End of Podcast and Music Outro

(C) 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

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