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Mission of Hospice The group's initial perception was that Hospice provides care in last days and allows people to die at home with dignity. The moderator asked at what point the participants would call Hospice. Most felt they would call when the family could no longer do what the Hospice staff can do. Most talked about times toward the end, when families can't give good care or can't cope with the situation. One person suggested calling them early to help the family prepare, but she was the only one thinking about preparation. • When information about Hospice was passed out, at least five referenced the insert about Hospice in the newspaper. The moderator promised to supply copies for them to take home. The reaction to the handouts included surprise that Hospice could be involved early in the process. One person learned that we should view Hospice as helping the family to continue to live during and after the death of their loved one. Most agreed and admitted this was a new concept for them. This group was least familiar than the others with the concept of Hospice helping the dying to live best in their remaining time. It was unknown, but received very positive reactions. "I think that if more people were aware it was available earlier, they would take advantage of it." "Most of us are of a generation where we were raised to take care of our own problems and not to ask for help until we've done everything that we could possibly do." "People just didn't talk about cancer and death." "I really liked that instead of death with dignity, it's about life with dignity." Some suggested that the younger generation would entertain care at an earlier stage. One participant suggested that in recent years, dying in a hospital had become the norm and Hospice offers the alternative to that. All in the group felt strongly that a person should be able to die where and how they wished. Some wanted to be advised up front about the costs and obligations. Several participants commented, It certainly wouldn't be offensive to have them lay out exactly what the costs are," from early counseling to extensive care. One person did not know that doctors and clergy are involved in the process. Another suggested that Hospice should have a facility for those who can't die at home. Another thought positively about the memorial services. The newspaper supplement with its personal and recognized stories was effective. It was clear that educational pieces need to include the message that Hospice deals with dying children as well as dying older persons. Hospice services need to be described in brief Photos and case Chamberlain Research Consultants Page 5