Michaela Bercovitch
Saakler School of Medicine' Tel Aviv University, Israel.
Title: WHERE WILL THE FUTURE OF THE HOSPICE LEAD US?
Biography
Biography: Michaela Bercovitch
Abstract
"We are here not only to help you to die but also to help you to live until you die." – Cecily Saunders. The unavoidable and inevitable tragedy of death is based on our lack of acceptance of the process of dying. There is a certain point where medical intervention no longer protects the living but hinders us and denies us the integrity of a quality of living until the end. At the hospice it is our philosophy to accept the imminent loss of life while at the same time celebrating every remaining moment with outmost comfort comfort and peace of mind.
With the plethora of new oncologic treatments, and the ever growing ease of their administration, it is becoming a struggle to find and draw the line beyond which "fighting the disease" is no longer a valid option. There is a steep cost for the patient and even more so for his family when false hope is nourished and quality of life is negatively attended. The hospice is an essential incubator that provides warmth, comfort and love not only for our patients, but for their loved ones. It is a time of contemplation and acceptance, where the patient regains their identity while simultaneously reaching closure. We struggle daily to protect this inherent human right, and it is essential to keep the hospice an independent environment where quality excels quantity. We will support our affirmations with some clinical testimonies and a short film.