Community Education for those interested in Big Bend Hospice
“We wish we would have known about hospice sooner,” is one of the most frequently heard comments from community members touched by the care their loved one received through Big Bend Hospice. There are many myths and misconceptions about hospice care that prevent timely access to our services. By educating the public about the programs and services we offer, it is our hope that some day everyone who can benefit from our services will know about their options and will access Big Bend Hospice services sooner rather than later.
Big Bend Hospice is a non-profit, community based organization licensed in 1983 and dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with a life limiting illness. We provide physical, emotional and spiritual comfort to the patient and their family, as well as grief support to anyone who has lost a loved one.
As you plan programs for your organization, we encourage you to include a speaker from Big Bend Hospice. As a community service, we offer informative, uplifting presentations on a variety of health care issues including:
- “Great Expectations” - Hospice Myths and Realities - Hospice is a philosophy of care that affirms life and encourages the patient to live as fully as possible during the last stages of life. We’ll present an overview of the services provided by Big Bend Hospice to the patient as well as the whole family, and the myths and misconceptions that often prevent timely access to Hospice care. Questions are encouraged.
- Grief in the Workplace/Coping with Bad News - We are often at a loss for words when someone with whom we work becomes ill, or is coping with a loss of a loved one. You don’t need to have magic words in order to help. Join us to learn about other ways to support bereaved co-workers that don’t require you to have all the answers.
- The “Sandwich” Generation - Big Bend Hospice Social Workers and/or Grief and Loss Counselors provide education regarding the “Sandwich” generation, i.e. those caring for their children as well as their parents, and provide practical tips on coping in this situation.
- Planning for the Future with Advance Directives – The time to talk about end-of-life decisions is when you are healthy and alert, and not in a medical waiting room! This presentation includes information on Advance Directives including Living Will, Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare, Do-Not-Resuscitate Order and the 5 Wishes document.
