Hospice Care of Kansas, with 12 offices in Kansas, has begun a new program called Butterfly Touches.
This enhanced care is generally provided by the home health aides from each Hospice team.
Bright pink backpacks, identified with this program, contain an assortment of supplies including nail polish, cologne, lotions, CDs, books, etc.
Through a short survey, patients list the hobbies, pastimes and types of music they have enjoyed. This service is identified by the patient and family, as are all hospice services.
“I ask a lot of questions about what our patients were used to or enjoyed in the past,” said Sonja Williams, Hospice Care of Kansas home health aid. “If a woman always wore make-up or jewelry or was used to having her nails and hair done – or a man likes to smell nice - that’s what we try to do.”
A CD player enables patients to listen to the music they love. Often, talking about past activities is more important to patients than actually doing them.
“What a privilege it is that I can give these people the opportunity for pride and dignity in their final days,” said Williams.
This new program highlights the uniqueness of each person and is another example that hospice care is about life and living.
It is available to Hospice patients wherever they call home – private home, nursing home or assisted living.
For more information about this and other Hospice Care of Kansas services, call toll free 1-800-HOSPICE.
