By: Ryan Duey
Photo Courtesy of Ryan Duey
Amy Burr, Director of Meadowlark Hospice, presented to Clay Center Lions Club members during their regular meeting on October 21st. Burr spoke about hospice care and its benefits to patients and their families.
Burr has been the Director of Meadowlark Hospice for 13 years. The agency serves people in Clay, Cloud, Marshall, Washington, and western Riley Counties.
Burr said there is a misconception that hospice is for only the final days of one’s life.
“The biggest thing about hospice is that it is not just for those final days that you’re actively dying.”
“Most people think, I’m not ready for hospice, it’s not my final days, I’m not going there.”
“That’s not at all what we are for. Hospice is for your final months of life; it is a benefit period.”
“The start of it is when you have a prognosis of six months or less, not six days or less. You can come on hospice for your final months of life, not days.”
During one’s time in hospice, staff at Meadowlark make sure all one’s needs are met so they can spend time with their families and live their final days.
Burr said they do have around 20 people each year who graduate from hospice care, thanks to the help from the program, including changing approaches to care or medication mitigation. When patients improve in health, hospice may no longer be needed.
Burr ended her presentation speaking about the importance of having a Durable Power of Attorney, and other important documents that all adults should have completed.
“There are important documents that everybody should have from age 18 up.”
“Having a durable power of attorney ensures that they can continue to get care. So, you can get access to them if something goes wrong, and be able to provide that care, as well as through the rest of our adult life.”
“Having somebody appointed to make decisions for you is so important.”
She said these important documents should be reviewed every decade, or when there is a change in life, such as marriage, divorce, moving, and more. There are many resources available at the Clay Center Extension office.
