Heidi Wannigmann: Optimistic in the hospice and surrounded by family

Heidi Wannigmann: Optimistic in the hospice and surrounded by family

A lot has happened at the Rhein-Lahn hospice in the last few weeks. Heidi Wannigmann, who has been living there for almost two months, impressively shows how the courage to face life remains even in difficult times. After a fall at home that landed her in this facility, the 81-year-old has been battling cancer, starting with breast cancer, for 15 years. Her disease has now affected her spine, which has inevitably increased the challenges. Despite the adverse circumstances, she is optimistic and attaches great importance to her external appearance. She recently celebrated her birthday at the hospice, surrounded by numerous visitors, including family and friends.

Many people are like Heidi and want to die at home. The desire to spend the last days in familiar surroundings is often strong. This is also the reason why outpatient care services, general practitioners and interdisciplinary teams are available to provide support in this crucial phase. As Gesund.bund.de emphasizes, patients with statutory health insurance are entitled to comprehensive palliative care and advice. This may include primary palliative care, general outpatient palliative care (AAPV) or specialized outpatient palliative care (SAPV).

Extensive support in the hospice

Heidi Wannigmann enjoys the advantages of her current life situation. Your room in the hospice is well equipped with a balcony, television and refrigerator. Personal contact with the outside world is particularly important at the hospice. The patient is regularly surrounded by family, friends and former colleagues and takes an active part in life in the hospice. She plays board games and visits the quiet room every day. These activities are consistent with the principles of hospice care, which aim to minimize the suffering of the dying and their families, as the MSD manuals explain.

Hospice care focuses on symptom relief, comfort care and emotional support. The team has the necessary specialist knowledge and is available to residents on a daily basis. This applies not only to medical care, but also to pastoral and interpersonal support. Close support from specialists and the personal environment is essential for patients like Heidi in order to maintain their daily routine even in difficult times and to spend their last days in a protected space.

The role of relatives

A particular challenge is the involvement of relatives. Transparency and exchange about the needs of patients ensure consistent care. Relatives play a central role, especially when personal decisions are required. The focus on high-quality quality of life in hospice can be supported by close collaboration between nursing staff and family. Heidi interprets the care of those around her as valuable support. Even if she has no hope of returning to her apartment, she feels well looked after and enjoys spending time with her loved ones.

In the hospice, the wishes and needs of the patients are taken seriously. Each of the last days should be made as worth living as possible. Even without returning home, life remains worth living for many residents, like Heidi. Whether in community or in personal retreat – every moment counts.

Heidi Wanigmann's experiences and everyday life are an impressive example of how palliative care and hospice care can ensure a dignified end to life. Various support offers help to turn this multidimensionality of needs and desires into reality, as the comprehensive overview at Gesund.bund.de shows. The importance of a structured approach to palliative care cannot be overemphasized, as it provides the framework for living the final stages of life with dignity and respect.