Since you’re reading this because of some interest in hospice, I suggest buying SURVIVING HOSPICE* (published, October 2023).
Huh? Why?
After all, you may not recognize the author. Additionally, it’s about a subject—dying, death, and grief—that few are eager to discuss.
Or, perhaps you are a medical professional familiar with end-of-life issues and you have a heap of experience and education. Do you really need another tome for your personal library? (Yes, you do.)
Here are three reasons to get your hands on Maryclaire Torinus’ book:
It’s actually four books for the price of one. (What a deal! What a steal!)
It $hines a light onto one of hospice care’s $hadowy worlds.
Everyone dies.
Before looking more closely at those reasons, it’s important to be forthcoming. Though I’ve never met Ms. Torinus in person, we’ve had a lively, supportive online relationship for several years. Our background as writers and our involvement in hospice serendipitously brought us together. She has been an advocate for my work and I enthusiastically want to champion her book. I read an early draft of Surviving Hospice to give her feedback.
Four books for the price of one
(#1) Surviving Hospice is a memoir about someone who has gone through the deaths of her parents, and has had the unfair, unfortunate experience of a spouse dying far too young. Torinus shares about her life in relatable, vulnerable ways.
(#2) As a hospice chaplain deeply committed to caring for those who are religious (Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and more), for those who are more “spiritual than religious,” for those who are agnostic, and for those that think any religion is so much who-haw, Torinus is a delight to spend time with. In Surviving Hospice, you will be with Torinus in the rooms and at the bedsides where the most essential (and yes, spiritual) questions are raised: Does my life matter? or What brings me meaning? or How can I forgive or be forgiven?
(#3) Torinus knows that every person considering hospice care has another essential question: How can I find the best hospice agency? Simple answer! Read Part II of Surviving Hospice. If you live in an area that has 2 or 10 or 20 different hospice agencies, Torinus provides the tools to ask the best questions, make helpful comparisons, and arrive at informed decisions. Use Section II for your research when you are thoughtfully exploring future options. Use Section II when you are desperately searching for how to help your dying loved one right now!
Surviving Hospice $hines a light onto one of hospice care’s $hadowy worlds
(#4) This is the fourth of the four books you get with Surviving Hospice. Modern hospice care began in the 1960s in England. A nurse, Cicely Saunders, saw a need and met that need. Seventy years ago, Saunders realized that too many were dying in pain, dying alone, and that their families were overwhelmed and under-supported. The hospice movement grew. The first hospice agencies appeared in the U.S. in the 1970s. By the end of the twentieth century, there were hospices in every state. The majority were run as community-based non-profit organizations.
Then came the for-profit hospices. And this is where Torinus aims her bright, honest light and asks tough questions. I first worked for a hospice as a chaplain in the late 1990s. At that point, in my Fresno, California metro area, there were three (3) hospice agencies in a community of 500,000 people. All three were non-profit, and their primary task was to serve dying patients and their families. Right now, that same region (with 700,000+ residents) has at least seventeen (17) hospice agencies. Every new hospice since 2000 is a for-profit business. Some of those for-profits provide excellent care. Some of those for-profit agencies have a conflicting primary task: serve their shareholders.
Of the numerous for-profit hospice agencies now operating, many are patient-centric. They are staffed with compassionate professionals. But, to use the old Watergate scandal phrase, it’s important to “follow the money.” Torinus does. If you are working in hospice, I think you’d want to know if an agency is more focused on serving patients or shareholders. If you are a patient in need of hospice care, you and your family would also want that knowledge.
Everyone dies
Too many don’t like to ponder, talk about, or begin to deal with dying, death, and grief. But everyone dies; everyone grieves. Maryclaire Torinus has created a book that is easy to read, easy to understand, easy and practical to use. But it’s not about an easy subject.
After interviewing (by Zoom) Torinus in mid-November, I came away with the feeling that this is not necessarily a book she wanted to write. Instead, it was a book that she couldn’t not write. Especially with my personal history as a hospice chaplain and my work in grief support, I am glad for her vulnerability as she shared about her patients. I admire—maybe even envy!—her creation of a list of key questions to help consumers (the patients and families) find the best business (the hospice agency) for their needs.
All across the United States, there are many non-profit and for-profit agencies that put the patient first and give comfort and care to the dying patients and their families. But some may not. Torinus, with her book, helps you find the trustworthy provider.
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Photos provided by Maryclaire Torinus
*Surviving Hospice can be purchased through her publisher, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon. You can also order through your local bookstore.
My book, A Companion for the Hospice Journey is available at Amazon.
Thank you for your informative post Larry!