Embracing well-being at the end of life

Embracing well-being at the end of life 
Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium; by Phaneuf; 12/5/24
At the 29th Annual Fall Hospice & Palliative Care Conference, Dr. Ira Byock delivered a thought-provoking keynote challenging the misconceptions surrounding hospice and palliative care and illuminating a brighter path forward for individuals, families, and caregivers. ... Far too often, hospice and palliative care services are seen as a last resort or equated with “giving up.” Dr. Byock pushed back against this notion, emphasizing that hospice and palliative care are not about death but about life. “Hospice and palliative care are about living as fully and as well as possible through the end of human life,” Dr. Byock said. Rather than signifying the end of healthcare options, palliative care provides comfort, dignity, and even joy for individuals facing life-limiting conditions. Dr. Byock shared that families often express relief and gratitude after beginning hospice care, lamenting that they hadn’t learned about it sooner. These experiences highlight a common issue: Hospice care is often introduced too late, preventing families and patients from reaping its full benefits.