Re: Tough times on personal front

clover65® · 2025-09-19T01:54:11.643Z

97 year old mother in last stages in Hospice care. The closer the time gets, it seems thoughts turn more to times when I could have been a better son. I suppose that is not rare in times like this?

I believe that is probably not rare at all. Everyone handles these types of thing differently but the fact that you are questioning what you could have done better is probably an indication that you have done better than you are giving yourself credit for. I’ve come to know you as a very respectful, humble, caring person. I can only imagine that your Mom is more proud of you than you can ever know. Hang in there brother. I went through this with my older sister last year and unfortunately, there is a lot of time for your mind to wander while it is happening. My hope for you is that the fondest memories of your time together can rise to the top and dominate those thoughts. Call or text if there’s anything I can do for you.

TigerInAtown

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Sep 19, 2025, 10:03 AM

AI History of Hospice

Hospice history evolved from medieval "hospices" providing shelter to travelers, into modern palliative care thanks to Dame Cicely Saunders, who established the first modern hospice, St. Christopher's Hospice, in 1967. This innovative approach focused on holistic, pain-focused care for the terminally ill, inspiring the widespread adoption of hospice care globally, particularly with the establishment of the Medicare Hospice Benefit in the U.S. in 1983.
Early Roots (Ancient to Medieval Times)

Ancient Civilizations:

The concept of caring for the dying in their final stages can be traced back to ancient times.
Medieval Europe:
The word "hospice" comes from the Latin word hospes, meaning "guest" or "host". During the 11th century and the Crusades, hospices were established as places of hospitality for travelers, pilgrims, and the sick, offering shelter and care. These were more like shelters than specialized medical institutions.

19th and Early 20th Centuries

Religious Orders:
Religious organizations, particularly in Europe, began to care for the dying with a more spiritual focus.
Early Foundations:
In 1843, L'Association des Dames du Calvaire opened a home for the dying in Paris, leading to other similar institutions. In 1879, the Irish Sisters of Charity founded Our Lady's Hospice for the Dying in Dublin.

The Modern Hospice Movement (Mid-20th Century to Present)

Dame Cicely Saunders:
In the 1950s, British nurse and social worker Dame Cicely Saunders became a key figure. Inspired by her experiences caring for terminally ill patients, she advocated for a holistic approach to end-of-life care.

St. Christopher's Hospice:
Saunders founded St. Christopher's Hospice in London in 1967, creating the model for modern hospice care. This model focused on "total pain," a concept acknowledging the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of suffering, and emphasized palliative care to improve the quality of life.
Growth in the United States:

1969: Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's book On Death and Dying promoted home care and patient autonomy.

1970s: A campaign began to bring hospice care to the U.S., leading to the founding of Connecticut Hospice in 1974.
1983: The Medicare Hospice Benefit was enacted, providing Medicare coverage for hospice care for the terminally ill.

Today:
Hospice care has evolved into a global movement recognized for its compassionate, patient-centered approach to providing comfort and dignity at the end of life.

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Prayers for you and your family clover65®

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Tough times on personal front