Letter: Closing Cottage of the Meadow [Hospice House] is a loss for all

Letter: Closing Cottage of the Meadow [Hospice House] is a loss for all
Yakima Herald-Republic, Yakima, WA; by Lee Murdock; 8/13/24, with news post from 8/5/24 
[Letter] To the editor — I was devastated to learn that Cottage in the Meadow, our local hospice facility, is ending hospice care. Both of my parents were fortunate enough to spend their final days in this serene and caring environment. The difference between the overrun hospital setting with its short staffing and the compassionate, individualized care at Cottage in the Meadow was stark. This facility provided invaluable support not only to those at the end of life but also to their families. As our population ages, the need for such services will only increase. Studies have shown that hospice care can reduce healthcare costs by up to 30% compared to traditional hospital care (Journal of Palliative Medicine). Additionally, hospice care significantly reduces hospital readmissions and emergency room visits, further reducing healthcare costs (JAMA). In a healthcare system with ample profit margins, ensuring access to hospice care is the least we can do. ...
Editor's Note: This letter to the editor was in response to Yakima Herald-Republic's 8/5/24 article, "Yakima's Cottage in the Meadow will close its hospice house. It will reopen as a skilled nursing facility." For another Letter to the Editor, from Laurie Jackson, CEO, Tri-Cities CHaplaincy Hospice & Palliative Care, click here.