KULR 8's Healthy Living: Local News
Hospice Care
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Story Updated: Feb 26, 2009
BILLINGS - Facing the reality of death on a daily basis could be grueling and emotionally draining. But hospice workers look at it as an honor and a ministry as they help patients through their last months of life.
"We have to realize that as we are born into this world, we have to go out. It's a natural process." Larry Carlson hasn't always looked at dying this way but over the past decade he's dealt with RiverStone Health Hospice Services during the passing of his uncle, aunt and father. Now his mother Dorothy Carlson is facing congestive heart failure and has a hospice team caring for her. Registered nurse Ted Vargas cared for Dorothy's husband a few years ago. "They told me I was going to have to have a nurse so I said as long as he was here, I'll have him. So I got stuck with him," jokes Dorothy. They're close and Dorothy says that's important because she has a tough time accepting help for things she's always been able to do herself. "I've always been independent and when you have to wait for somebody else to help you, it's hard."
The team consists of a registered nurse, a social worker, a certified home aide, bereavement counselors, volunteers and a chaplain. Dorothy's team helps with everything from shopping and doctor's visits to praying. "We want to make sure dorothy has comfort, and dignity and quality of life," says Vargas. "It means a great deal to me, I don't know what I'd do without them," says Dorothy.
Dorothy and Larry agree what RiverStone Health Hospice Services has given them over the years adds up to much more than medical care, it's quality of life and peace of mind.
A patient qualifies for hospice care when they have a life expectancy of 6 months or less. It is covered by medicare, medicaid, private pay or donations, but no one is turned away.
