Page 23 - SFHN1117final.qxp_SFHN 0608 Friday 5.0

HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE IN SOUTH FLORIDA

Hospice Philosophy

In 1988 Catholic Hospice received its certificate of need and
began the mission driven work of serving the community with
compassionate end-of-life care. Thirty years later the mission con- “Did you know that the U.S. Census estimates 1 in 20
tinues with a passion to provide service to our community.
The concept of hospice care can be found in medieval times children will experience the death of a parent by the
when hospice was a place for travelers, pilgrims and the sick, time they graduate from high school, and that 1.5
wounded or dying to find rest and comfort. Modern hospice care is
defined as a concept of care that provides physical, emotional and million children under the age of 18 have lost an
spiritual comfort to those facing challenges at end of life. immediate family member?”
Catholic Hospice supports the unique needs and dreams of each
person, by doing so, we are able to continue our ongoing mission
within the South Florida community. Many people put off their
wishes and dreams to the future. But for those diagnosed with a ter-
minal illness their future is now. Dreams and wishes are hidden million children under the age of 18 have lost an immediate family mem-
BY BONNIE ALKEMA
deep beneath the pain and suffering of day to day life. Living with ber? Research indicates these children are at a much greater risk for depres-
a terminal illness often drains financial and emotional resources sion, suicide, poverty and substance abuse. Supporting the grieving process
causing more strain on families as they struggle with the daily battle of their illness. for children who have had a significant loss in their lives, Camp Erin provides multi-
Dreams of a dinner at a favorite restaurant or a few hours at a beach feeling the ple free weekend camps to help meet the needs of our community.
warmth of the sun seems unattainable for many with a terminal illness. One of our Hospice is not a job but a calling. Those who serve in the mission do so because of
ongoing goals is to support the dreams and work to make them a reality. their love to meet the needs of a community in need. When the fear, pain and anxiety
Another service that is part of hospice is bereavement. Providing support to those of a person in distress at end-of-life can be resolved and replaced with fulfilling a last
who are impacted by end of life is also the mission of Catholic Hospice. need or wish then we have succeeded in our call to serve the hospice mission.
Another area of concern is Helping Children in distress which is the mission of
Camp Erin. Did you know that the U.S. Census estimates 1 in 20 children will expe- Bonnie Alkema is Executive Director of Catholic Hospice.
rience the death of a parent by the time they graduate from high school, and that 1.5 For more information visit www.catholichospice.org.

Subscribe to...

SOUTH FLORIDA HOSPITAL NEWS & HEALTHCARE REPORT today!

Subscribe online at www.southfloridahospitalnews.com or call 561-368-6950

South Florida Hospital News southfloridahospitalnews.com November 2017 23