Most people in the U.S. don’t know that hospice treatment is covered by Medicare for up to six months.
These services include home nursing visits, medicine and equipment that often allows the parent they care for to live comfortably at home instead of at the hospital.
The support of a hospice team provides real nursing care, respite and counsel that often brings a family closer together at their time of crisis. As a result, most families wish they had called a hospice sooner.
Those who miss out on the opportunity to have hospice treatment can die in fear and pain. Family members struggle with each other and inattentive hospital staff members while attempting to know and do what is best for their loved one.
I have made it one of my missions in life, to help not for profit hospices educate the communities they serve. I do this by enlisting “media trusted voices” such as morning radio hosts, and local TV anchor persons to speak out in TV advertising campaigns. I do this by teaching hospices how to create more impactful websites with video testimonials. And I do this by writing collateral materials that provide real information and guidance rather than sales talk or industry jargon.
I recently had the pleasure of speaking to the Georgia Association of Hospices and Palliative Care Specialists. If you would like a copy of my presentation, please e-mail me: rjg@rjgibson.com