Why I work in hospice

"Hospice? Oh my God, I could never do that."

No, you probably couldn't, that's why I do. My "day job" involves me traveling home to home across three or four counties, helping terminally ill people do things we take for granted. Getting dressed, taking a bath, having someone wash their hair, and usually washing other less savory bits. It's not for everyone, and sometimes, it's not for me either. It's a lot of body fluids and raw emotions. Yes, I have had people die while I was there, and I have seen nearly every rotten thing a body can do to itself.

So why have I worked in hospice for five years and then some? Because of days like today. Woke up to a little black cloud hovering over me, been looming for days. My first patient of the day canceled, so I went to see the next patient on my list.

I got there very early, and expected to be done rather quickly. She's a itsy-bitsy little old lady, and stopped getting out of bed a few weeks ago. Four out of five days, she's too tired and ill to  make much sense, and usually snoozes through her bed bath. She was barely awake when I got there, but I had lots of extra time today.

I offered her breakfast. She took a weak sip of juice, and a small bite of egg. She didn't want to be bothered. But as soon as I touched the warm washcloth to her face, she sighed and opened her eyes. I offered to wash her hair in bed and she relaxed with the pleasure of warm water and a massage. I found some nice Calvin Klein lotion tucked in a drawer. Little by little, she perked up. By the time we were done, she was sitting up in bed, fluffing her hair, asking for her bright red lipstick. She told me over and over how much better she felt just having her hair clean and her makeup on, then reached for her breakfast tray.

That's why I work in hospice.

Comments

[Nelz]

That brought tears to my eyes.

My Grandma was in hospice before she died, and I can only thank you for the comfort you (and your profession) are able to provide for our loved ones when we are too distant or unavailable to care for them ourselves.