“What We’re Reading Now” is a series where we share the latest blogs and articles we find helpful for family caregivers.

In learning about hospice care, we have found that patients and families tell the hospice story best. Reports show that there are more than 4,000 hospice programs in the United States. Locally, there are about 20 hospice programs in San Diego – all independent from one another. We have recapped recent stories about hospice care, as told by patients and families, that were recently published in media outlets across the nation:

Lee Mathis writes about how hospice cares for her mother: “Recently, my family and I have been going through some rough times. Bottom line: Our Mom has had some serious, re-occurring health problems and is now in a hospice program out East. While I had an inkling of what a hospice program was, until this occurred, I really did not fully understand what hospice and palliative care was all about, until now…” Read more in Grand Junction Free Press.

Author Marie Marley talks about how hospice care was a source of comfort and hope in her journey with her “soul mate” Ed: “Starting hospice care for a loved one can be a somber and painful experience. When I signed the papers to begin hospice care for my Romanian soul mate, Ed, I felt like I was signing his death warrant. I realized that wasn’t true, but it was how I felt…” Read more in The Huffington Post.

Hospice patient Jim Evans talks about how the Veterans Matters program at San Diego Hospice honors his military experience while providing the medical care he needs in the comfort of his home: “Hospice helps me find answers…” Read more in The Washington Times.

More information about hospice care is available online or by calling toll-free at 1-866-688-1600.