Hospice still easing the pain

Michelle Swafford

Friday, Nov. 14, 2003 | 5:09 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION Nov. 15 - 16, 2003

When Nathan Adelson, philanthropist and administrator at Sunrise Hospital, died of cancer in 1977, his family and friends wanted to make sure others didn't endure pain and a sense of helplessness as he did.

Adelson's son, Merv, and family friend, Irwin Molasky, established the Nathan Adelson Hospice in 1978. It was the first hospice in Nevada and the third in the United States, hospice officials say.

The first year, seven patients were assisted in their homes. In 1983 a 20-bed inpatient center was built at 4141 S. Swenson St. in Las Vegas. In the last 25 years more than 30,000 patients of all ages have been helped through inpatient and home-based hospice services with Nathan Adelson Hospice.

Today Nathan Adelson Hospice will celebrate its 25th anniversary in conjunction with National Hospice Month. At 6:30 p.m. the festivities begin with dinner by the valley's top chefs, a champagne reception and a silent auction at Cili Restaurant at the Bali Hai Golf Club, 5160 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Tonight's event is sold out but those wishing to contact the hospice can call 796-3133.

The demand for hospice care is increasing in Southern Nevada and is expected to continue to grow as people learn more about it. Today there are 56 beds in Southern Nevada for inpatient hospice care at three locations, including two Nathan Adelson locations. Seven other centers operate in-home programs.

Hospice care is a medical-care philosophy that originated in London in the 1960s. It utilizes a team approach that involves doctors, nurses, counselors, family members and the patient. All parties work together to control pain and enhance the quality of life for people who are terminally ill.

Most patients who use hospice have been diagnosed with six months or less to live, which is generally the requirement for an insurance or Medicare provider to pay for the care. Support services are available to families.

"People think hospice is a place to come and die and it's not," said Judith Hantin, vice president of the Nathan Adelson Hospice Foundation. "We're there to enhance the last half of your life."

Las Vegas resident Claudia Paskiet sought hospice care for her mother in April 2002 to make her final months more comfortable. Her mother had Alzheimer's disease and diabetes and needed wound care.

"She had a nurse every day with hospice. Mom couldn't talk anymore. They would just talk to Dad and explain what was going on with her and lift his spirits," Paskiet said. "With hospice, it's just extra eyes and care."

The Nathan Adelson Hospice staff helped Paskiet's mother with showers, feeding and comfort care.

After Paskiet's mother died last October, her father lost his will to live. Paskiet brought in hospice caretakers for her father in July and they help him with daily activities and visit with him at the life care center where he now lives.

"Hospice isn't only for cancer patients," Paskiet said.

There are a limited number of beds for inpatient hospice care because most people prefer to die in their homes. It is up to doctors to decide where patients go, said Bobbie DiCerbo, general manager of Odyssey Hospice.

Odyssey Healthcare of Las Vegas is a national chain of hospice programs in 58 cities. In Las Vegas, it offers in-home services and inpatient care at 4011 Mcleod Dr.

The valley is one of its larger markets and the company might expand to additional locations.

"The west side is growing like crazy so that's a possibility," said Bobbie DiCerbo, general manager of Odyssey Hospice.

Nationally, from January to June, an average of 5,600 patients had hospice care with Odyssey, compared with 4,400 patients in 2002.

"We're certainly seeing an increase in the need for our care," said Jenny Haynes, Odyssey corporate spokeswoman. "Not only is the population aging, but people are understanding hospice more."

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is encouraging doctors and hospitals to recommend hospice to terminal patients, DiCerbo said.

Hospice-related bills are paid for by Medicare, health insurance or the hospice center, she said.

Sierra Health Services Inc. is the largest health insurer in Las Vegas. It requires its Southern Nevada members to use its own hospice provider, Family Home Hospice, said Sierra spokeswoman Jenny DesVaux Oakes.

Sierra Health members in other areas can use any Sierra-approved hospice provider, she said.