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Testimonial | ComfortCare Hospice

Posted on May 10, 2019

Testimonial from Vivian Watson – Hospice Services

ComfortCare Hospice – A Division of South Central Regional Medical Center | 601-422-0054

Vivian Watson had just retired from a 59-year nursing career when her ex-husband became ill.  Three years later, when his health started to decline further, Ms. Watson made the decision to call ComfortCare Hospice. ComfortCare Hospice, a division of South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel, offers a full spectrum of care for patients. The goal of hospice care is to improve quality of life by providing physical and emotional needs.

Ms. Watson explains her experience, “The minute I met the Hospice team, I immediately knew they were committed to this patient and to the family. The team consisted of a registered nurse, a nursing assistant, a social worker and a chaplain. The ComfortCare team helped me through a really difficult time, so I would recommend them to anyone who is experiencing a critical illness.”

Patients that are able to receive hospice care are those who have cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, congestive heart failure, lung disease, liver disease, renal disease, ALS (known as Lou Gehrig’s disease), stopped dialysis or any patient that has a life limiting condition with six or less months left to live.

The care team from ComfortCare spent 9 months with Ms. Watson’s ex-husband before he passed away. She explained, “They were always there.  They had excellent hands-on skills for the patient, but they also had great insight into the overall care of the patient. They had a commitment that you felt in your heart.  If I needed them, they provided care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I felt reassured that during this difficult time, there was someone there to help.”

The hospice team consists of physicians, nurses, nurse aides, social workers and a chaplain. Other services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and dietary counseling can be provided as needed. ComfortCare Hospice services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“The sooner the hospice treatment begins, the sooner the patient and family members can receive the full benefits of hospice services,” states Dean Nickens, Director of ComfortCare Hospice. “A person does not have to have terminal cancer or be on his or her deathbed to receive help through hospice. Our team can coordinate the care of the patient and services to ensure symptom control and pain management.”

When severely ill patients who suffer from chronic conditions like heart disease, COPD and dementia receive hospice care early on, they experience less depression while improving mentally, physically and emotionally. With hospice staff available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, hospice can offer relief for the patient.

Ms. Watson closed by stating, “I do not think you can put a price tag on what ComfortCare Hospice provided for my family.  Their care comes from the heart and that was very comforting. I truly believe that you cannot have a better, more professional team who cares about the patient and the family, like ComfortCare Hospice.”

ComfortCare Hospice, a division of South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel, offers a full spectrum of care for patients. ComfortCare Hospice services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To make a referral or for more information about ComfortCare Hospice, contact us at 601-422-0054.

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