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| - I held a durable power of attorney for an old college friend who was gravely ill earlier this year. As her condition deteriorated, with new medical complications arising weekly (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, full-blown diabetes, kidney failure, and multiple cardiac arrests), it became clear that she was not going to be with us much longer. When she reiterated her wishes for "comfort care" during a hospital stay, I approached the nurse on duty, and she put us in touch with the hospital's patient advocate. After a short discussion with my friend and a review of her records, the patient advocate said that the patient was clearly requesting hospice vs. ongoing dialysis and the possibility of further surgeries. Once we all confirmed that this is what my friend wanted, the paperwork was processed and she was transferred to Hospice of the Valley just 24 hours later. The facility was fresh and clean, with NO TRACE of odor or noisy equipment--even the oxygen was located beyond the patient's room so that all was quiet. The new building was decorated in soothing colors, and the staff continued to check on my friend frequently, even though she was not well enough to push the call button on her own. She was kept clean and comfortable--a big improvement over how she looked while in the hospital. The expression on her face was clear--she was content and relaxed--knowing that her transition was approaching soon. She left us after only a few days, but on her own terms, well cared-for 24 hours a day, and with family and friends well looked-after by the very nice staff at Hospice of the Valley.
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