p. 119-120). Regretfully, the cost is notthe only disturbing factor of a long-term care facility. Afamily decision to place my grandfather who was sufferingfrom Alzheimer's disease into a nursing home was a verydifficult and emotional experience for everyone involved.Regular visits by all family members continually raisedconcerns about the quality of care that he was receiving.Staffing was also a concern for our family. It seemed therewas not enough staff to meet the needs of the patientswithin the facility. Although licensing agencies regulatedthese aspects, this was not comforting to our concerns.Fortunately, we were able to move my grandfather to adifferent facility. The nursing home was newer and betterstaffed and all family members felt more comfortable aboutthe care he was receiving. The experience of placing aloved one into a long term care facility is one I would preferto not experience again. It is comforting to know that thereare good facilities availab! le and caregivers that really careabout the patient's needs. These aspects are very importantfor families to understand before making a final decisionwhen they must place a loved one into a facility. HospiceUnfortunately the last resort for some patients may behospice care. Hospice is an organized program that offersdying persons and their families an alternative to traditionalcare for terminal illness. As stated in Aging "Hospice care isexclusively for dying people. It therefore brings expertise tohelping patients and their families face issues specific todeath and dying" (p. 180). Hospice enables the patient toreceive palliative medical care, while meeting thepsychosocial and spiritual needs of the patient, their familyand friends. Hospice programs also offer bereavementservices for 13 months (or beyond if required) following thepatient's death for any family members or friends who wishto receive the service. The article The Continuum of Longterm Care emphasizes "The philoso...
