Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of three educational articles about hospice care. Look for these two articles in the coming weeks: “What services are included with hospice care and how are they paid for?” and “When and how does someone request hospice care?”

It is a bright, beautiful mid-winter day. John has been ill for some time and is sitting in the examining room of his doctor’s office waiting for tests results. The doctor, dressed in a white coat, comes into the room and sits down next to him. John notices a grave and serious manner as a moment of dread sets in.

His doctor tells him the results are not good. John seems to know what comes next.

“The tests show a large mass that is not operable. This illness is terminal,” said his doctor.

This is the moment we all dread – the certainty of our own death. There is a moment of silence.

“Now what?” asks John.

His doctor says that John could request hospice care services and that he could provide a referral for him. John really does not know what hospice care is, but all he can think of is the terminal diagnosis with less than six months to live.

Many people don’t know what hospice is. The usual awareness comes from those who have had a loved one, a friend, a parent that has been in hospice. Many of these people who have dealt with hospice have glowing praise for what it is and does. Some people know what hospice care is because they have been involved with it in some other way. Others know the word “hospice,” but do not realize the depth of services it can bring to dying people and their caregivers and extended family.

Our current society finds death a very difficult and sometimes tragic event, yet, it is part of living. Some people want to deal with it head on, while others want to creep quietly around it, giving death and dying as little recognition as possible. We are all mortal and know our time is limited, yet when we come to face death, we shy away, cover it up or don’t speak its truth.

Hospice care is a service that helps people by celebrating living, getting things in order and seeking forgiveness that frees from past mistakes or poor choices that may haunt their lives with guilt. Hospice care is expert specialty care that deals with pain or discomfort and supports you and your family to make your journey fruitful and peaceful.

Hospice takes the whole person into account and strives for peace, compassion and comfort care. Hospice serves everyone equally, regardless of color, creed, gender or origin. It embraces all as human beings – that need help and compassion at the end of life, with dignity and professional care.

Hospice is a gift we give ourselves, our family and community at large.

Our area hospice care services are provided by Aspirus at Home in Calumet. For more information, visit aspirus.org/hospice or call 906-337-5700 or 1-800-594-7053.