CONDOLENCE CALLS

A day or two after a hospice death, the social work case manager will call the family to offer condolences and support.  Quite often when we have a patient that is only on our program for a few days, I make the condolence call if the assigned social worker has not yet visited the patient and family. 

Upon meeting a patient and family during my Admission Visit, I share that hospice’s number one gift is comfort care measures; adding that I have done hospice a long time and hospice staff are very good at it.  Comfort care being physical, emotional and spiritual care. 

“John”, sixty-nine, was on our hospice program for only three days.  He was only diagnosed with his cancer three months prior.  It had already spread to other parts of his body.  Two of his three children lived nearby and were very supportive and involved with caring for their parents. 

John’s wife, “Marilyn”, was anxious about knowing what to do.  John had been in the hospital for ten days and was being discharged home thirty minutes before our scheduled arrival.  Marilyn’s anxiety was valid as most all of us do not fully realize the demands of being a caregiver until we actually do it. 

I called Marilyn two days after John died.  The emotions of peace and comfort she expressed was so beautiful to hear.  She had amazing memories about her husband’s passing.  In the end, what is important is the love we have in our life.  John and his family all were validated by each other of the true love they have shared and will continue to share for always.

CONDOLENCE CALLS

 

Hospice doesn’t just stop

when a death occurs.

We follow up for 13 months

with counseling and support.

 

As a social worker, I make a

condolence call a few days later

to let the loved ones know we continue to care

with ongoing bereavement support.

 

Besides being available 24/7 each day,

hospice’s primary gift is comfort care.

During my condolence call conversations,

I hear the word “peaceful” most all of the time.

 

Her husband was on hospice only three days.

His decline was swift, catching them all off guard.

She so worried about not knowing what to do.

She wanted his passing to be just right.

 

I called her two days after he died

and heard her say, “I’m hanging in there.

My kids don’t want me to be alone.

My sister is staying with me.”

 

“My two kids were talking with him

just moments before he died.

He knew they were going to take care of me.

He then peacefully went to sleep.

I couldn’t of asked for anything more.”

 

She wanted his death to be tranquil.

She didn’t want him to suffer any more.

She was sad for him to go, but

happy it went so peaceful.

 

Now she too                                                                                                  

         is peaceful.                                                                                              

                  Forever more.