November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. Executive Director of Hospice of Washington County Katrina Altenhofen says it is important for people to understand what services are available for end of life care and to make it known what they prefer for their care, “Not only is it important to understand what somebody’s end of life wishes are in respect to advanced care directives and that, but also to know what do they want as far as hospice and palliative care, and what do you know about hospice and palliative care. So many people think that hospice care is only something you do within those last 24-48 hours of an individual’s life or end of life process, and really it’s something that six months or more that we try to be able to provide end of life care for individuals according to what their wishes are.”

She explains services are chosen by each individual and can include medical care, spiritual guidance, music therapy, massage therapy, and assistance for family members with daily tasks like grocery trips or housework. They also offer services for family members including grief support.

Hospice of Washington County has tied purple ribbons around lamp posts in downtown Washington this month to help bring awareness to hospice and palliative care.