Using labels for people can be evidence of our implicit bias. Hospice providers can enhance the quality of care by avoiding labels.  If you have a brain, you have a bias.  It’s who we are as humans.  The key to treating our patients and their families with respect and compassion is to avoid labels that make them less than human.  Healthcare providers might not even realize the labels we give our patients are disrespectful or derogatory.  It’s possible to describe a patient’s condition or status without using a term that is demeaning.  It’s also possible to report behaviors using descriptive language.  Seriously ill patients and families deserve our respect.  Using labels removes that respect, and desensitizes our ability to have compassion.  Labels give us permission to treat people as less than who they are.  We don’t take care of patients - we take care of people.  So look at your own biases and see their influence on the care you provide.  Give your patients - your people - the best you have to give! Don’t miss the amazing Thresholds Conference sponsored by Hospice of Southern Maine on Tues., May 10 1:00pm - 3:30pm EST featuring Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love.  All virtual over Zoom, and only $35! Get your tickets by clicking here.

Connect with Hospice of Southern Maine at https://www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org/. Register for your place at the California Hospice and Palliative Care Association conference coming up June 6-10 by visiting calhospice.org!  Be sure to tell them you heard about it on The Heart of Hospice podcast. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice here: https://theheartofhospice.libsyn.com/ Connect with podcast host Jerry Fenter at jerry@theheartofhospice.com. Connect with podcast host Helen Bauer at helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more information about hospice philosophy, end of life care, and self care for both personal and professional caregivers here.  Looking for a speaker for your event or conference?  Send an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com or to jerry@theheartofhospice.com.  We’d love to partner with you!