Delaware hospice treats many in Sussex county

Sussex Countian
By Valerie Lemoi
Managing Editor
valerie@sussexcountian.com

When someone hears the term “hospice care,” he or she thinks the service is for those who are ready to die. Claire Walsh, nursing coordinator Delaware Hospice- Sussex County, is determined to change that perception this month, National Hospice Month.

“Many people think if they go with hospice, it means they have given up,” Walsh said. “It doesn’t hasten or prolong lie, but it provides quality care.”

Only 20 percent of those who are eligible to use hospice actually do. And, 50 percent who come into the program live just 24-48 hours longer.

“It’s crisis nursing at that point,” Walsh said.

She believes this is because most people do not know a lot about hospice care, including physicians. Patients in hospice care have life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, heart and lung disease, Alzheimer’s, ALS, AIDS and failure to thrive. About 50-70 percent have cancer.

Patients are treated at home, in nursing homes or in assisted living facilities. Those who work at Delaware Hospice will also follow through with during hospital stays.

Walsh said the best way to educate people is word of mouth, starting with physicians. Or, those who have had family members in hospice care spreading the word. Ninety-eight percent of those who have had experience with Delaware Hospice would recommend it, according to Walsh.

“We have a consistently high satisfaction rate,” she said.
Hospice care began in the 1960s in Great Britain and the United States began in 1974. Delaware Hospice opened in 1982 and has over 130 employees. Since 1982, Delaware Hospice has taken care of 17,500 patients and families.

The Georgetown office has close to 200 volunteers. Walsh realizes Sussex County has a “phenomenal volunteer base,” but more are always needed.

Hospice workers deal with the entire family from the caregiver to the patient and everyone else.

Caregivers are taught the proper way to care for their loved ones, such as giving them baths or changing their beds. Nurses deal with pain and symptom control

Then, there are programs for other family members to help with the grieving process. Plus, workers help answer questions. There is a registered nurse on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“People ask if it is sad, but it is not at all because I am helping people,” Walsh said. “I say we are the Lamaze coaches for the other end. I compare it with birth – imagine if you are pregnant and have been receiving care until your seventh month. Then, the doctor sends you home and says there’s nothing I can do. You’d be left with a lot of questions.”

Walsh said Delaware Hospice goes into each case as a team. A nurse will be the first to visit and explain the services. Volunteers help the family members deal with the situation and are with them until the end.

Equipment and medications are delivered to the door.

There is no cost to the family to use hospice care. Delaware Hospice is non-profit, so 93 cents of every dollar goes to patient care. Plus, insurance companies provide Delaware Hospice with funds.

“The cost of prescriptions alone is a burden,” Walsh said. “Some people have to decide whether to pay for their pain medication, electric bill or food.”

Walsh has 23 years of nursing experience, six with Delaware Hospice. She plans to stay with Delaware Hospice until she retires.