Heart and Soul Hospice recognizes Hospice Month

November is National Hospice Month, and to recognize the importance of hospice services to quality end of life care, Presbyterian Manor’s Heart & Soul Hospice would like to share Clayton’s story.

It was not long after Clayton was diagnosed with a life-limiting illness that he was told that curative treatment was no longer an option. Clayton quickly made the decision to seek hospices services.  At first, Clayton thought hospice was a way to avoid burdening his family with his illness.

Clayton, hospice patient in Wichita[/caption]

Clayton soon began to understand that by deciding to utilize hospice, he had put together a supportive team for himself and his entire family. Together, Clayton, his family, and the hospice team created a plan of care that included Clayton’s medical needs as well as emotional and spiritual needs for himself and his family.

Clayton’s wishes are prioritized. Clayton is not a fan of baseball, but his family loves the game. Clayton’s wish was to have a baseball party for his entire family. The hospice team helped him make that happen. That day there was baseball, air hockey, and a room filled with family, laughter and smiles. Clayton beat most of us at the air hockey challenges!

Clayton has been with hospice since June and is still facing terminal illness with no cure. But, with his hospice team’s focus on providing medical care and emotional support that enhances his quality of life, Clayton has had more good days to be able to make memories with his loved ones.

For information about hospice services available at Salina Presbyterian Manor, contact social services.

Heart & Soul Hospice is based in Farmington, Mo., and Wichita, Kan., and is a proud member of the Presbyterian Manor of Mid America Family.

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