To the editor:

Gov. Rick Snyder has recognized the importance of hospice and palliative care providers in the well being of Michigan residents through his proclamation of May 12-18 as Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Week.
In 2012, Hospice at Home, a Lakeland Health Care Affiliate, provided care for 1,246 hospice patients and their families in Berrien, Cass, Van Buren and Allegan counties. Hospice services provide peace and comfort for the patient and family. Physical symptoms are eased and the patient and family have time in the patient’s setting of choice, according to the patient’s wishes, surrounded by family. And, afterward, those who are grieving have an easier time coping with their loss because they witnessed the “good death.”
Time is needed for patients and families to experience a “good death.” Time to allow the patient and family to choose where death will occur, time to ease physical symptoms, time to reflect, time to say thank you, time to say goodbye.

Respectfully,
Amanda Dunnem
Niles