End-of-life care: The HAP Foundation is there to help

For many, palliative care and end-of-life issues are far from the common worries and thoughts of the day-to-day trials and travails of one’s life.

There are many, in fact, who are probablyunfamiliar with the term “palliative care,” or maybe have heard it, but not really sure exactly what it means or what it involves.

But… when it does come time to learn about it, with a loved one, a parent, a family member, a close friend—then it hits home, and does so often in the strongest and most personal of ways. Simply put, it doesn’t get any more intimate and personal than dealing withpeople in proximity to the end of life.

It affects families and loved ones in an intense and direct way.

There are so many issues that are encountered. So many thoughts, so many items to get to, so many people involved (at least with most families), so many logistics to deal with—and the list could go on.

All of this while mourning the serious illness or impending death of one you love. Then there’s whatthat person is going through in the hospital or in hospice care.

For most, any assistance is not only needed but welcomed with great relief and appreciation.

Palliative care is more geared toward those with serious illness, while hospice is when death is more imminent. Both specialize in making things more comforting and settled, not just for the individual involved, but for families and close friends as well. They do this in all areas, by providing medical, psychological, spiritual, and logistical assistance – just to name a few things.

There are numerous palliative care companies and organizations in the Chicago area. It is indeed a growing field, and one that is expanding both in reach and awareness.

Some of the many in Chicago include JourneyCare, Unity Palliative Care, Lighthouse Hospice, Season’s Hospice, Rainbow Hospice—with, again, these being just a few of the many that are available.

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One organization, though, that supports all of these entities is called The HAP Foundation. Its purpose is to advocate and support for all the different groups that are involved in the field of palliative and hospice care. It hasbecome a centralized force trying to improve care and promote all facets associated with this ever-growing field.

The HAP Foundation’s mission is as stated on its website: “Our promise to you: deliver best-in-class patient-centered hospice and palliative care education and research. We truly believe in the transformative power of education. All those with serious illnesses deserve to live their best life to the fullest on their terms. We are here to make sure all have access to resources and we are committed to breaking down barriers in end-of-life care.”

Joe Matty is the original and current executive director of The HAP Foundation, which was founded in 2022.  Matty, who had previously been involved for many, many years in hospice and palliative care, says it has touched him in numerous ways. “I have seen the raw vulnerability of end of life and how it affects families,” says Matty. “It is our mission at The HAP Foundation to be committed to these families and to the community of palliative and hospice care.”

Lofty goals for sure.

The bottom line is, most of us do not think of the end of life with any regularity, but it is comforting to know that when the time comes, the growing field of palliative care and hospice is here to help. The HAP Foundation will be there at the forefront.

For more information, visit The HAP Foundation’s website.