Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Fragile state of hospice

The House of Representatives approved it's version of the economic stimulus plan on Wednesday, which includes $134 million for Medicare funded hospice programs. It also delays the already approved Medicare budget cuts to hospice for another year. This isn't perfect, but it's welcome news for those in hospice right now.

Still, everyone should realize that the economy has hit hospice hard and we need to work to keep it for the future, our own future. The more of hospice I see, the more I like. Having had the (sad) opportunity to compare living situations in hospitals, assisted living, nursing homes, versus hospice care at home, there is really no comparison. Hospice at home is the best case scenario. To be able to stay with loved ones in your own bed, looking out your own window at your own backyard...well, enough said. If you care about this issue, call or write your representatives and be sure your voice is heard.

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