My father received Volunteer Hospice care for a few months at the end of 2017. He had a complex lung condition and was on full time oxygen at this point. My dad and my mom were very afraid of what kind of trauma the end of my dad’s life would entail given his condition. Hospice was there to help. The anti-anxiety medicine with the morphine made this period of time tolerable. He eventually lost his life at OMC Hospital following a fall. We were very grateful for the support and help until that event.
 
Because of the good experience we had during the last few months of my dad’s life my mother felt more comfortable using the services at the end of her life at the end of 2021. She talked about engaging with Volunteer Hospice for many months before she actually did. When the end of her life was approaching (she was ready) she asked me to call. My mother was a social worker for her entire 30-year career but caring for her own needs were a little slow to happen. As soon as she agreed, I was on it. The Hospice staff was quick to respond. We had our intake visit on Friday afternoon and the prescription for morphine and anti-anxiety meds was written. The Hospice nurse had to timely facilitate the physician’s orders on a Friday night, and we were able to fill them just as the Walgreens in Sequim was closing. I often shudder to think how different those last few days would have been without the morphine to ease her departure. We fed her an amazing steak dinner and she was able to relax and died early that Sunday morning. My parents both had lived in Skagit County for most of their lives. It was only out of necessity that they agreed to sell their home and relocate to a town where they knew only my family and friends. It was a difficult time.
 
Thank you, Volunteer Hospice, for your part in making it all a bit better with your unique approach/model and great staff.

~Michele, daughter of patient