Three Rivers aims to reshape mindset around hospice care
By Kirsten Stokes
Hospice is a crucial aspect of end-of-life care that focuses on providing comfort and support to individuals facing terminal illnesses.
“Everyone has the right to die with dignity, respect and peace, we make sure that we’re there to fulfill that. And not only that, but we want to make sure that the families are well taken care of,” said Tanner Wolf, regional marketing director for Three Rivers Hospice.
Over the last 10 years, hospice has transformed into a multiple-faceted service that provides more assistance than just being with the patient when they take their last breath.
Three Rivers Hospice, located at 3901 Beck Road Suite C in St. Joseph, is independently owned from top to bottom and operates as a smaller hospice company. Funded by a single investor, Three Rivers services over 70 counties in Missouri.
When determining if someone is eligible for hospice care, Wolf said that a decline in health and an inability to care for yourself are things to consider. Usually, patients have a prognosis of about six months left to live when they go into hospice with cancer, heart disease, dementia and other illnesses.
“We would need a doctor’s order to treat for hospice and then we take over and take care of everything,” Wolf said.
From providing hands-on care, for however many days at the request of patients, to covering “comfort” medication, the care provided by Three Rivers is mobile as nursing staff can care for patients in their homes or wherever they may reside.
“Hospice is a Medicare and Medicaid paid benefit that every single person in this country has been paying for their entire life,” Wolf said.
More than just providing hospice care, Three Rivers brings attention to the families that are also going through the loss of a loved one.
“We offer a bereavement program, so when your loved one passes, we can make sure that you’re grieving properly. As long as you’re comfortable with it, we’re going to keep up with you for about 12 to 13 months,” Wolf said.
When deciding on a hospice company, Wolf said there are a few things to look for: accessibility to the patient, end-of-life vigil and home-help services.
Wolf hopes the negative connotations behind hospice can be put away and the multifaceted services that Three Rivers offers to their patients and families can turn into positive experiences.
“We’re here to help educate you on what hospice is and how we can help you. We’re going to be educating the doctor on what we’re doing, the family on what we’re doing, just so there’s a clear line of communication. Everyone’s in the loop. Everyone knows what’s going on,” Wolf said.
