Historically a hospice was a house or inn where a traveler could stop and rest. The word hospice comes from the same root as the word hospitality.

Hospice Services of Lake County is the local agency that offers hospitality for those making their final rest stop.

A hospice agency assists people at the end of life to stay in their place of residence and helps the person and their loved ones address medical, emotional and spiritual issues.

The closer we get to end of life, the clearer our priorities become. There is no longer the need to compete with others. For this journey there are no best seats. What is important is the comfort, care, and service we receive during our journey.  

Hospice Services of Lake County is a professional, caring organization under local nonprofit control that cares for these travelers and their loved ones.  

As we all will travel this road at some point, it is important to gather as much information as possible and plan ahead. We are all unique and have different values and styles that are important to us.

This final journey is a great equalizer. Whether you are in a lakefront villa or an old travel trailer, you will get the same high quality hospice service.

To get this service you have to sign up. We plan ahead for most significant life events, but for our final journey, many will wait until the last minute and lose some of the peacefulness that should accompany our passing. Wanting to avoid the fear, pain, and loneliness is enough to make me want to sign up early.  

Hospice helps you live your fullest and given adequate time, Hospice allows things to take their natural course.

Most of us do not have a great deal of death experience, so the more we learn, the better it goes. By waiting until the last minute, it becomes challenging to provide the support and care the family and patient needs and deserves. This important transition is more difficult when rushed.

You can’t start too soon. If you believe you may be nearing the end of your journey, talk to your health professional or call hospice. If you meet certain criteria you can be admitted.

If you don’t die, that’s great. Hospice does not want to rush you. Take your time and prove everyone wrong.

We are happy if you get better. It’s better to have us and not need us, then to need us and not have us.

Call 707-263-6222 for a free informational evaluation today and limit your pain, fear and discomfort.

Dr. Robert Gardner heads the Lucerne Community Clinic in Lucerne, Calif., telephone 707-274-9299.