“Hospice is not about giving up, the focus here is on the quality of life… and maintaining that quality of life as long as possible” Mr. Banach said during an interview broadcasted by CMU Public Radio, a station based in Central Michigan. The goal of hospice care is to ease the dying process, and many assume that hospice care rushes it. These interviews were a great way to reiterate one of the missions of hospice care to a community of listeners who may not know of its benefits.
In addition to dispelling some misconceptions about hospice, Mr. Banach addressed advance care planning, how to discuss the subject of end-of-life with family members, and how hospices can help families dealing with grief during the holidays.
When asked how to bring up the tough subject of end-of-life during his interview with Lousiana Network Radio, Mr. Banach said “talk not necessarily about the end of life, but talk about what people’s wishes are.” Patients should receive the quality care that they want, and having this conversation when a lot of family members are present could ensure that their wishes are heard and met.
We are happy that Mr. Banach was able to share more information about hospice and palliative care with such a large audience and we hope that you will continue to spread the message as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month comes to a close.
Visit the Hospice Action Network blog page to listen to Mr. Banach’s interviews with CMU Public Radio and Louisiana Network Radio.
Designed to coincide with the wrap up of November’s National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, interviews with radio news outlets were recorded on November 20 and reached an estimated 11.5 million listeners across the country in the days following the interviews.
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