FIFTEEN MINUTES

Late last week, the hospice nurse and I went out to admit, "Neal", a seventy-eight year old suffering with serious lung disease. Neal was discharged that afternoon after a five day hospital stay. The doctors did not think Neal would ever survive to make it out of the hospital. Neil is tough and determined and was so happy to be back home.

We met with Neal and his daughter, "Christy" in Neal's living room. Christy was a strong advocate for her father. She wanted to know every detail about hospice coverage and support. I spoke about hospice's twenty-four hour coverage. I added that we are just one phone call away. If someone needs to make a home visit, it will happen. I added that our hospice covers five counties and it may be an hour before a nurse would make it to the home.

Christy was upset about that one hour time frame. She felt someone should make it to their home in a fifteen minute time frame. She didn't understand that her father's wish of having no life sustaining treatment, calling 911 might jeopardize his wishes. Christy was not ready for hospice support for her father. In addition, Neal also was not ready. He was hoping for physical therapy to help make him stronger.

Neal was so short of breath with any movement or endurance, it is unlikely that he would even be able to participate with physical therapy. The plan was for Neal to call his doctor regarding the follow up request for therapy. We encouraged the family to call hospice with any follow-up questions, needs or concerns.

We only want to admit patients when they and/or their family are ready for our support. It is not right or wrong at all. I always feel thankful that with the information we give the family, they will be aware of our program and can always call when ready.


FIFTEEN MINUTES　

He was just discharged from the hospital.
They weren't sure if that would ever be.
He is strong; he got his wish.
He came home late this afternoon.

When meeting folks for the first time,
we want them to understand hospice philosophy.
"Do you want no further hospitalizations?
Do you wish to die in comfort at home?"

We spoke about twenty-four hour coverage.
"Just call hospice with any needs.
Someone would be out within an hour."
She wasn't happy with what we said.

"Where does everybody live?
They need to be here in fifteen minutes!"
We informed her we cover five counties.
Fifteen minutes would likely never be.

We didn't admit him to hospice.
He wasn't quite yet ready for our support.
But, thirty-six hours later, he died at home.
Peacefully, in comfort, with family at his side.

She must have later realized our support
as called and thanked us for being there.
I am sure she was also relieved,
she didn't need us to rapidly come
in our one hour estimation,
          or even quicker
                   in her fifteen minute time.