WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Time is running out for hospice patients.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, we have turned our attention to children, their families, and pets. This is natural and necessary.
But there is a group of people who are being ignored. We tend to put those who are "dying anyway" on the back burner, not truly considering that they are scared, dying, and want to be near the ones they love. Not to mention their families who know for sure that their mother, sister, father, husband are definitely dying, but they have no way of getting in touch.
"Since the flooding began in the Gulf region, we have received numerous calls from families and friends of hospice patients who cannot locate their loved ones, specifically regarding patients from the Metropolitan Hospice in New Orleans," said Jack Gordon, HFA chairman. "They are obviously distressed."
Despite Hospice Foundation of America's numerous requests that the federal government post hospice patient-specific listings on their most heavily- trafficked website, we have been ignored.
In response, Hospice Foundation of America has established an Internet- based bulletin board to help reconnect families to hospice patients in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Family members can post messages on the site, accessible at http://www.hospicefoundation.org , and hospice employees and others with knowledge of transfer arrangements will be able to contact those who have posted messages.
There is also a special forum for displaced Gulf state hospice workers who are looking for employment or a hospice employer with a job opportunity.
Hospice care is delivered in a variety of places, including homes, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, inpatient and residential hospices.
Based in Miami and Washington, D.C., HFA exists to help those who cope personally or professionally with terminal illness, loss, and the process of grief and bereavement.
Contact: Kate Viggiano, Program Specialist 1-800-854-3402 kviggiano@hospicefoundation.org
Hospice Foundation of AmericaCONTACT: Kate Viggiano, Program Specialist of Hospice Foundation ofAmerica, +1-800-854-3402, or kviggiano@hospicefoundation.org
Web site: http://www.hospicefoundation.org/
