Hospice Makes the Most of Time Remaining

Written by Nancy Sokoler Steiner

Olivia Giuliano knew how hospice could make the end of life easier for patients and families. Now retired, she was the assistant to the director of Torrance Memorial Medical Center’s hospice program. Still, like many family members of patients expected to live six or fewer months, Giuliano hesitated to initiate the process when her father was very ill. As a result, he had little time at home with his family at the end.

She chose differently eight years later when her mother, who by then had dementia, was approaching the end of her life. “The whole family benefits,” she says of Torrance Memorial’s program. Hospice offers physical, emotional and spiritual support and focuses on making the most of a limited time. “It’s very comforting that people are there to help. They’re available 24/7 to answer questions. And every one of them was so kind.”

Terri Ferry, Giuliano’s former boss and the executive director of home health and hospice, notes people tend to misunderstand hospice. “They think it signals an immediate end,” she says. “But hospice doesn’t mean a withdrawal of treatments. It means someone has decided not to take aggressive, curative measures and instead wishes to receive care, helping them remain comfortable at home.” In fact, Giuliano’s mother lived for a year on the program.

Hospice participants benefit from the services of a dedicated care team. They first meet with a hospice physician who evaluates their medical situation and considers their desires to create a home-based care plan. The doctor, as well as registered hospice nurses trained in pain and symptom management, visit regularly. A licensed clinical social worker provides counseling to patients and their families and/or long-term caregivers. She or he also offers recommendations and resources for such services as home modifications or private duty caregivers.

“We can fund those services if needed, thanks to donations made to our program,” says Ferry. She notes Torrance Memorial partners with Caring House, a residential home for hospice patients not able to remain in their own homes.

The hospice care team also includes nondenominational chaplains who help prepare patients and families for peaceful transitions. “We encourage a life review where patients can shift their attention to things that brought them joy, such as their accomplishments, family, religion or hobbies,” says chaplain Tenzin Kiyosaki. “We help them appreciate their lives.”

Key members of the hospice program include medical director Peter Tseng, MD, hospice manager Paola Marie Rodriquez, licensed clinical social worker Lisa Pahl and registered nurse Ann Issa.

Ferry notes the broad array of services provided by hospice can relieve some of the families’ burdens. “Also, many families struggle to get the medications and supplies their loved one needs. Hospice insurance benefits provide and pays for medications, equipment, oxygen, supplies, etc. They will get what they need without having to worry about finding or affording it.”

Hospice support continues even after the patient passes away. Social workers stay in touch with the family to provide emotional support and help with logistics and paperwork. They remain available to families for the year following their loss. Torrance Memorial also offers drop-in bereavement groups (now provided virtually).

Giuliano says every member of the hospice team was exceptionally sensitive and accommodating to the needs of her mother and the many family members involved. “They would give you as much or as little support as you wanted.”

Bidding her mother farewell was “a heart-wrenching but wonderful experience,” she shares. “She went at home, with the whole family there. I couldn’t have asked for a better end.” 

Torrance Memorial Hospice is located at 23326 Hawthorne Blvd, Ste. 100 in Torrance. For more information about Torrance Memorial's hospice program, call (310) 784-3751 or click here.