November is National Hospice & Palliative Care Month

Throughout the month of November, Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo (HPCB) joins organizations across the nation to increase awareness and education focused on support for individuals, loved ones, and caregivers faced with serious illness.

At the heart of hospice and palliative care is meeting patients and their loved ones where they are, be it literally through serving them in the comfort of their own homes, spiritually in tailoring support to their unique beliefs, and/or emotionally by helping relieve the stress and burden associated with serious illness. Hospice and palliative care are holistic, person-centered, interdisciplinary services that offer support for patients and families, while respecting their wishes and preferences. Choosing hospice or palliative care does not mean giving up hope, it is all about accessing the right care at the right time to address quality of life.

“For more than 40 years, Hospice and Palliative Care Buffalo has helped provide specialized support to thousands of seriously ill individuals and their loves ones, allowing them to direct their course of care wherever they call home. National Hospice and Palliative Care month recognizes the crucial role hospice and palliative care providers play in caring for their communities year-round. People are understandably reluctant to think – let alone talk – about serious illness, and yet this is one of the most important conversations to have with your medical providers and your loved ones. Actually, it is not about dying, it is about how you want to live”, said Christopher Kerr, MD, PhD, CEO & CMO, Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo.

Kathy, a volunteer for HPCB for over 12 years, shared  “Many hesitate as soon as they hear the words “palliative” or “hospice”.  To me, it is sad that people ‘say no’ before they find out what the care is all about. Families go through months, sometimes years, struggling to manage illness without asking about services. Be sure to have all the information you need before making decisions. Having experienced the amazing care and support, I encourage you to make the call.”

Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo’s mission is to provide care, support, advocacy, and education to people in Erie County impacted by serious illness and loss. “We are here to meet you where you are.”