IT’S ABOUT LIVING
Say the word “hospice” aloud to almost anyone blessed with good health and they reflexively think of death and dying. Recently I found myself thinking about that: that a word so obviously related to “hospitality” has lost its origins in the minds of so many. Interestingly, the ancient Latin “hospitium” means much more than merely providing amenities. As with its use as the root in “hospice” it means to look out for the holistic interests of those served.
To those who experience hospice that ancient notion is very much alive. To those who live and work in hospice care it’s “living each day as you want and to the fullest”, emphasize Nancy Stoler and Christine Della Croce. “Hospice is not just one definition, but rather is the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual empowering of adults” living with life-limiting illness and with a projected life-span of 6 months or less.
Denise McQuaide, CEO of Parmenter Home Care and Hospice, knows well that hospice is a personal journey for adults and families. “We try to meet people where they are and bridge services to connect them to what they need to live well each day.” Listening to the Parmenter colleagues talk about care given to patients and their families it’s apparent that hospice is very much about living. It’s entirely about the interest of helping someone to find the paths to comfort in the last stage of life.
The Parmenter Foundation “supports the programs and services of Parmenter Community Health, as well as advancing new initiatives”, says Cindy Mayher, the Foundation’s Executive Director. Together their shared missions support a sixty year old commitment to provide exceptional ‘Care for Life’ for the community.
Read more about the hospice experience at “Hospice: A Personal Journey of Adults and Families.”
Photo: Parmenter Community Health Care Colleagues Nancy Storer, Hospice Manager; Christina Della Croce, Vice President of Business Development; Cindy Mayher, Executive Director Parmenter Foundation; Denise McQuaide, CEO Parmenter Home Care and Hospice.