Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC
Most of us are aware that individuals close to the end of their journey on this earth can have the care and attention of a Hospice service.? Generally this is provided for those with a diagnosis of 6 months or less of life.? If one is covered by Medicare, the services of the medical providers, comfort medications and some durable medical equipment are covered, given the individual doesn?t want to be taken to a hospital and are in agreement to be given general ?comfort measures? only.? The Hospice movement has gained ground in the past 30 years after getting its start in England.
I had the privilege to visit the Zen Hospice in San Francisco recently.? This is a licensed residential care home and not a ?Medicare Hospice?.? Families pay a daily rate but the care, philosophy and attention to detail provided to those approaching the end of their lives is filled with dignity, comfort and overseen by a professional staff of nurses, volunteers and under the direction of Dr. BJ Miller, a palliative care specialist at UCSF Medical Center.
The lovely Victorian home is decorated in d?cor that is soothing and refreshing.? The meals are of gourmet level; one was being prepared during our visit as a volunteer sat in the dining room preparing fresh dried herbs to be used for the meals.?? In one of the bedrooms was a volunteer playing a harp.
The majority of hospice delivery is provided in the home but at times the home is not workable for a variety of reasons and we are seeing more free standing Hospices designed to bring the highest level of human dignity and grace to the final journey.
The Zen Hospice as many other hospice programs across the country offer grief groups and a variety of classes on end of life.? More information can be found regarding this service a www.zenhospice.org.I want to thank all those who volunteer in hospice programs ? you bring comfort, love and grace to those about to leave this life.? You are ?angels? on earth!
Source: http://eldercareanswers.com/2011/09/zen-hospice-volunteer-hospice-program-with-a-twist/
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