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| A Profile Story on Odyssey Healthcare and Hospice “A Place that Cares, and the Importance of Hospice” By: Stephanie Jelenic–Deb Odyssey HealthCare was founded in 1996 and today is one of the largest hospice providers in the country. You might be wondering what exactly is hospice? “Hospice is providing end- of life care to patients through many creative avenues,” said Emily Schwadron, manager of volunteer services for Odyssey Healthcare. “We believe death is a natural part of life and do not hasten or postpone a death; we ensure the end of a patient’s life is as comfortable as it can possibly be. We aim to make sure our patients and their loved ones find peace and meaning in this end of life journey, especially during the immediate transition into death.” Odyssey works hard to improve the quality of life for patients facing terminal diagnoses, and provide support for their loved ones. Odyssey’s team of caregivers consists of registered nurses, physicians, home healthcare aides, social workers, chaplains, bereavement counselors and trained volunteers. They provide what is called “palliative care” to the patient, that is, care that helps ease pain and discomforting symptoms. In addition, they provide psychosocial and spiritual support for both patients and their loved ones. Hospice is based on the belief that through sensitive, appropriate care and the support of a caring community, terminally ill patients and their families can begin to prepare to face the inevitable challenges ahead. Also, the Odyssey staff, which specialize in understanding and treating pain, will develop a plan of care to ease the patient's discomforting symptoms. Under Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance programs, Odyssey will provide medical supplies and equipment associated with the terminal illness, such as bandages, catheters, oxygen, hospital bed, wheelchair and walkers, at no cost to the patient. Odyssey will also provide medications associated with the terminal illness to help relieve symptoms at no cost to the patient”, as opposed to a typical hospital. “I believe hospice is very important to ensure that a person is in little to no pain at all as they transition into death,” said Schwadron. “The more individuals can be educated on the topics of hospice and understand that hospice really is a positive concept that is in place to ensure the comfort of an individual at the end of life, the better.” In addition, individuals just like us have an opportunity to make a powerful difference in the lives of others through volunteering with Odyssey Healthcare. Odyssey Healthcare is currently located in 37 states with about 170 locations. If you would like to help make a powerful difference please visit the website at www.odsyhealth.com or call their toll free number at 1-888- 261-6845 for more information. There are many ways that you can become involved through volunteering. So check it out and help make a difference. “ Don’t count the days,” Schwadron says. ”Make the days count!” |
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