Start a New Thanksgiving Tradition

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Sangre de Cristo Community Care

Posted on

Apr 09, 2020

Book/Edition

Colorado - Southern Colorado

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When Americans prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, we focus on appreciating the things that truly matter family and friends, meaningful moments, conversation and laughter. Its only fitting that National Hospice and Palliative Care Month also is observed in November, an ideal time for those already coming together to discuss matters that are important to the family as a whole.

Palliative care can be given at any point during the course of illness, while hospice is a form of palliative care provided when physicians determine that a person is nearing the last six months of life. Support extends to family members, too, helping them cope with their loved ones illnesses and caring for them at home when possible. Each year, nearly 1.4 million Americans receive these life-changing services, which help ensure dignity, respect and peace during lifes most difficult journey. Rather than focusing on finding a cure, the emphasis shifts to getting the best quality of life, regardless of the quantity of days left. But many people still dont know about hospice and palliative care, or they have misconceptions that become barriers to care. As a result, many individuals still die alone or in pain.

So why does all this matter and why should you consider starting a conversation about end-of-life at your Thanksgiving table? Because Americans are aging at a rapid pace.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 46 million Americans over the age of 65, and that number is expected to double in the next 30 years.
More importantly, research has shown that eight out of 10 Americans would prefer to die in their homes, free of pain, surrounded by family and loved ones. And thankfully, hospice care can grant this wish when people know about it and fully understand its many benefits.

End-of-life discussions at Thanksgiving need not spoil the other traditions that weve grown to care so deeply about. As you gather around your own Thanksgiving table with friends and family this year, my greatest hope is that you will take the time to talk about your wishes.

Editors Note: This article was submitted by: Wendi Dammann, COE, Sangre de Cristo Community Care. She may be reached at 719-542-0032

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Local Services By This Author

Sangre de Cristo Community Care

Palliative Care 1920 Valley Drive, Pueblo, Colorado, 81008

Sangre de Cristo Community Care is your local expert in end-of-life care, providing services throughout Southern Colorado. Sangre de Cristo Community Care is a not-for-profit organization, offering care to everyone, regardless of one's ability to pay. Other programs include hospice, palliative care for individuals with serious illnesses; grief support, available to anyone in the community; caregiver assistance; volunteer; We Honor Veterans program and, others. The mission of Sangre de Cristo Community Care is to enhance the quality of life and to maintain the integrity of individuals and their families in need of supportive or end-of-life services by offering them symptom management, support, comfort, and compassion.

Sangre de Cristo Community Care

Volunteer Opportunities 1920 Valley Dr, Pueblo, Colorado, 81008

Sangre de Cristo Community Care is your local expert in end-of-life care, providing services throughout Southern Colorado. Sangre de Cristo Community Care is a not-for-profit organization, offering care to everyone, regardless of one's ability to pay. Other programs include hospice,  palliative care for individuals with serious illnesses; grief support, available to anyone in the community; caregiver assistance; volunteer; We Honor Veterans program and ,others. The mission of Sangre de Cristo Community Care is to enhance the quality of life and to maintain the integrity of individuals and their families in need of supportive or end-of-life services by offering them symptom management, support, comfort, and compassion.

Sangre de Cristo Community Care - Cañon City

Hospice 601 Greenwood Avenue, Canon City, Colorado, 81212

Sangre de Cristo Community Care is your local expert in end-of-life care, providing services throughout Southern Colorado. Sangre de Cristo is a not-for-profit organization, offering care to everyone, regardless of one's ability to pay. Other programs include hospice and palliative care for individuals with serious illnesses; grief support, available to anyone in the community; caregiver assistance; volunteer; We Honor Veterans program; and, others. The mission of Sangre de Cristo Community Care is to enhance the quality of life and to maintain the integrity of individuals and their families in need of supportive or end-of-life services by offering them symptom management, support, comfort, and compassion.