Why Hospice Isn’t Giving Up
When people hear the word “hospice,” a common misconception often creeps in: it’s seen as a
signal of surrender, a white flag waved in the face of illness. The phrase “putting someone in
hospice” can evoke images of a final, bleak countdown. But this couldn’t be further from the
truth. Hospice care isn’t about giving up—it’s about redefining what it means to live well, even
in life’s final chapter.
Shifting the Focus from Cure to Care
At its core, hospice is a philosophy of care that prioritizes quality of life when curing a disease is
no longer an option. This shift can feel counterintuitive in a world obsessed with fighting,
battling, and overcoming. We’re conditioned to see medical intervention as a relentless push
against mortality. But what happens when that push no longer serves the person? Hospice steps
in—not to abandon hope, but to redirect it.
Instead of exhausting a patient with treatments that might prolong life by days or weeks at the
cost of comfort, hospice focuses on managing pain, easing symptoms, and creating space for
meaningful moments. It’s not the absence of care; it’s a different kind of care—one that honors
the individual over the illness.
Living, Not Just Surviving
Hospice isn’t a stopwatch ticking down to the end. It’s a support system designed to enhance
what time remains. Patients often find that, free from the grueling cycle of aggressive treatments,
they can reclaim pieces of themselves. A grandfather might share stories with his grandchildren
without the fog of nausea. A spouse might enjoy a quiet evening with their partner, unburdened
by another hospital visit. These aren’t small victories—they’re profound ones.
Studies have even shown that some patients in hospice live longer than those pursuing curative
treatments. Why? Because reducing stress, managing pain effectively, and fostering emotional
well-being can give the body and spirit a surprising resilience. Hospice doesn’t hasten death; it
often allows life to unfold more fully in the time that’s left.
A Team Effort for Dignity
Hospice care brings together a team—doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and
volunteers—all working to uphold a patient’s dignity. It’s not just about the physical. Emotional
and spiritual support are woven into the fabric of hospice, addressing fears, regrets, or unfinished
business. Families, too, are part of this circle, receiving guidance and respite to help them stay
present rather than overwhelmed.
This holistic approach challenges the idea of “giving up.” Giving up implies passivity, a retreat
from effort. Hospice is anything but passive—it’s an active, intentional choice to embrace life on
a patient’s terms, not the disease’s.
Reframing the Narrative
The stigma around hospice stems from our discomfort with mortality. We equate stopping
treatment with defeat because we’ve been taught that fighting is noble, even when it’s futile. But
there’s courage in choosing hospice—courage to face reality, to prioritize peace over struggle,
and to let love, not fear, shape the end of a story.
So, no, hospice isn’t giving up. It’s giving more—more comfort, more connection, more control.
It’s about writing a final chapter that’s not defined by loss, but by presence. For anyone who’s
hesitated to consider hospice for themselves or a loved one, know this: it’s not the end of hope.
It’s a different kind of beginning—one that celebrates life until the very last breath.
When a loved one enters hospice care, the focus often shifts to comfort, peace, and making themost of the time that remains. Yet, amid this tender season, there’s a beautiful opportunity tocelebrate a life well-lived and ensure that their essence endures for generations to come. Hospicecare isn’t just about easing physical burdens—it’s also about nurturing emotional and spiritualconnections, often by helping families preserve their loved one’s legacy through stories, memorybooks, and recorded messages.
When a friend is in hospice care, it can be an emotionally overwhelming time for both them andthe people who care about them. Knowing how to offer meaningful support might feel daunting,but small, intentional actions can make a big difference. Here are five practical ways you can bethere for your friend during this sensitive chapter.
Discussing hospice care with a loved one is one of the most challenging conversations you mayever face. It’s a topic loaded with emotion, uncertainty, and often fear—both for the personnearing the end of life and for those who care about them. Approaching this discussion withempathy, clarity, and patience can make a world of difference, helping your loved one feelsupported rather than overwhelmed. Here are some practical tips to guide you through thissensitive moment.
What Hospice Care Actually OffersSo, if it’s not about giving up or rushing things along, what does hospice care really mean? At itscore, it’s a philosophy of care that puts the patient and their loved ones first.
"Night to Remember" fundraiser raises $3,756 for Hospice of the Sacred Heart
Our friends from Colbert & Grebas, PC, certified elder law attorneys, provided lunch and an interesting talk to many of our Hospice of the Sacred Heart social workers, counselors and members of our leadership and management teams today. Attorney Brenda D. Colbert, CELA, spoke to the group about a wide variety of topics related to long term care planning, estate planning, estate administration and special needs planning.
Hospice of the Sacred Heart staff, volunteers and friends assembled at Mansour's Market Cafe Thanksgiving morning for our 19th annual event of packing and delivering Thanksgiving meals for our patients and their families. This project has become a tradition of thanks, joy and giving that everyone looks forward to.
The Fall Interfaith Memorial Service was held Sunday, November 17, 2024 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Pittston.
Hospice Director of Counseling Services participates in panel discussion
The 2022 Hospice of the Sacred Heart Chairman's Award was presented this morning to Lynn O'Mara, RN.
Hospice of the Sacred Heart CEO, Diane Baldi, Director of Inpatient Services, Michael Catalano and Director of Counseling Services, Jennifer Seechock, will appear on Eyewitness News Newsmakers Sunday, February 13th at 7:30 AM on WYOU-TV and Sunday, February 20th at 11:30 AM on WBRE-TV.
Hospice of the Sacred Heart blessed and lit the Christmas Tree at the administrative offices in Moosic Sunday, December 5th.
Hospice of the Sacred Heart lost a board member, a patriot and a dear friend Saturday, January 23rd. Patrick “Patsy” Solano was a member of the original board of directors assembled in 2003 and served faithfully until his passing, under the loving care of Hospice of the Sacred Heart.
Hospice of the Sacred Heart recently received a generous donation of ten UltraComfort America UC556 power lift recliners in Brisa Fresco fabric.
You can take part in #GivingTuesdayNow by supporting the Hospice of the Sacred Heart Memorial Fund on Tuesday, May 5th.
Hospice of the Sacred Heart CEO, Diane Baldi, was the guest on Entercom Radio's "Special Edition" this past weekend.
What Medicare.gov says about Hospice care
For people dealing with loss or sorrow, the holiday season can be a painful time. Here's how to deal.
Grief is both real and measurable. Scientists now know that losing a parent changes us forever.
On Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 28th, Hospice of the Sacred Heart will deliver meals to patients and their families. This is the 13th year the hospice will provide this service project. Over 500 meals will be prepared by Mansour’s Market Café in Scranton, packaged, and delivered by hospice staff members and volunteers.
Appropriate cards are tough to find, so here's advice from end-of-life experts
Kathy Brandt, a hospice industry leader who turned her own terminal cancer diagnosis into a public conversation about choices at the end of life, died Aug. 4. She was 54.
The Grey Muzzle Canine Hospice Project
A declining number of physicians specialized in palliative care looms and won’t recover for 25 years without major U.S. health policy changes, new research in the June issue of Health Affairs shows.
Hospice homes help families with the unimaginable
Contemplating another year of missing my daughter
We will all face painful moments sitting next to dying people. What can we say?
Governor's office launches program to help fund rural hospitals in Pennsylvania
Drug maker Eli Lilly and Co announced plans on Monday to sell a half-price version of its popular insulin injection Humalog, as it fends off criticism about rising drug prices in the United States
This article about preparing for death was written by Katy Butler, former reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle.
Hospice of the Sacred Heart receives grant from Scranton Area Community Foundation
Representatives of Visiting Angels held an in-service for Hospice of the Sacred Heart social workers.
Not only did this year’s payment update rule include a 1.8% rate increase for 2019 Medicare hospice payments, centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) continued its work to reduce regulatory burdens on Medicare providers at the urging of advocacy groups like Pennsylvania Homecare Association (PHA).
The Pennsylvania Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) is a tool for translating patients’ goals for treatment into medical orders at the end of life. However, legislation is needed to empower healthcare providers such as EMTs to recognize and honor a patient’s POLST when life-sustaining care is needed. Without “codifying” POLST in this way, the patient risks having his or her final wishes disregarded by caregivers or physicians, or changed at the last minute by concerned family members.
Pennsylvania Homecare Association-Authored Legislation Permits Agencies to Dispose of Medications
Maine voters rejected higher state taxes that would have provided free long term home care and social services to those 65 and older, and to younger, disabled people.
Hospice of the Sacred Heart received a $2,500 grant for 2019 Camp Healing heARTs
AG, SENATOR BAKER AND HOSPICE ORGANIZATIONS APPLAUD ACT 69
2019 will mark the 13th annual Thanksgviing program at Hospice of the Sacred Heart
