Hospice: Embracing Compassionate Care

By Elisa Klan,  Director of Patient Care Services at Hospice of Humboldt

Elisa Klan,  Director of Patient Care Services

Throughout our lives, many of us focus on creating and maintaining good quality of life for ourselves and loved ones. While each person’s definition of quality of life is unique, it often includes things like living comfortably, participating in activities that bring joy and create memories, preventing avoidable problems and having a strong support system. When it comes to life’s final chapters, this remains true.

At Hospice of Humboldt, we think connecting with us sooner rather than later can make a world of difference. Our team’s mission is to make the journey through the end of life as comfortable and meaningful as possible. This means we are here to walk alongside you, guide you and support you. We do this all while looking after the whole person.

We’re on top of pain management and symptom control, ensuring that patients can spend more time making memories with loved ones instead of dealing with unnecessary discomfort. But it’s not just medical care — we also offer services to create fun and supportive environments, including music therapy, art therapy and pet companionship.

This time can be emotionally challenging, and we deeply understand that. Our team — including social workers, grief support counselors and spiritual care providers — are a compassionate presence. We provide emotional, spiritual and psychosocial support to help you find peace, acceptance and closure.

Families can face new or complex challenges during this period of their loved one’s life. Our family-centered care involves family-care planning and offers counseling services. We’re here to help the whole family navigate the journey together.

Let’s go ahead and bust a big misconception: hospice care isn’t just for the last few days of life. Hospice can typically provide up to six months of service. Since hospice support can positively enhance quality of life, putting off reaching out to Hospice of Humboldt means missing out on some of the benefits available to you and your family. The earlier you connect with us, the more you can benefit.

“Our mom’s last days were made so much better by the care from Hospice of Humboldt,” said one family member. “Elisa Klan and her team not only took care of our mom, but also helped us through the whole thing. Their down-to-earth approach and real understanding made all the difference. We can’t thank them enough.”

Hospice of Humboldt’s focus is on ensuring our patients have the best quality of life possible. As the director of Patient Care Services, my goal is to provide care that exceeds expectations for everyone we care for in our community. Our team members are inspired and honored by the opportunity to walk alongside individuals and their families during this special time, helping them navigate through the unfamiliar, all with heart and compassion. We encourage connecting with us as early as possible.

This story originally appeared in the Senior News.