Pulling it all together in terms of end of life care for a dying patient is so important.  Of course, it’s a tragedy for anyone to be transferred to hospice care but it can be done with grace and dignity.  The patient often has wishes they want carried out before death and the hospice personnel can assist with that.  If there are family members, they will need support while watching their loved one die.  Specially trained hospice personnel can also assist with that.  The dying patient will need to be cared for with expertise and compassion, every detail matters.  Even down to simply hand holding and a kind smile.

My dream is to work in oncology as a nurse.  I am currently in University working on that goal.  Eventually, I would like to devote an entire agency to providing hospice care to patients in need, with the hopes of actually opening up a small hospice facility. 

I have a vision in my mind of what it will look like.  Something similar to the picture above, but a single story.  A great big front porch for the families and patients to rock in comfy rocking chairs and enjoy the smell of beautiful flowers in the garden below.  I picture a wonderful kitchen to have meals prepared by a chef for the patients and their family members.  I think it is important to share meals together.  Anything the patient wants, the patient gets.  There will be an open “kitchen” door policy, help one’s self to snacks.  There will always be 10 kinds of ice cream in the freezer.  The place will have a large living room where families can gather.  There will be private bedrooms each with their own bathroom, pull out sofas for family to sleep on, all decorated with the comforts of home.  In fact, if the patient wants their furniture brought in, we will have it arranged.  The staff office will be discreet and this facility will bare no resemblance to a cold, sterile, medical building.  It will be like a home.  And once a family member loses a loved one at this home, they will always be welcome, and support will be waiting for them.  Pictures of all of the patients and their families will adorn the walls and the mantle over the fireplace, along with many photo albums.   It will be a special place for families to spend their loved one’s last days, where they can receive the best care and really participate in the dying process, with lots of support from specially trained health care staff.  And yes, patients can bring their pets. 

These are some of my ideas.  Please tell me what you think?  I would love to hear from you?  If you would like to donate funds to make this dream a reality and help many people in the years to come.

Please let me know how you want your money spent and/or place a donation using Paypal donate button below.