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Tree of Life Education Program
A Special Symbol of Caring, Compassion & Respect
The Tree of Life symbol is unique to our Hospice brands. Printed on a 2" round magnet, the symbol was designed to be placed on the doorway or entrance to a dying patient's room to remind all who enter of the need for special concern, treatment and consideration.
All those who enter are made aware of the dying patient's special needs -- the need for honoring the past, affirming the present and instilling hope for the future. The roots of the tree symbolize the legacy of the past, the trunk the present reality and the branches the promise of a future. In addition, the Tree of Life symbol provides a subtle reminder that the patient has made a choice to forego aggressive treatment and move forward through the normal course of his or her disease.
The components of the program include:
- A 2-inch round magnet with the Tree of Life symbol (shown above), placed on the doorframe of any patient moving through the dying process
- In-service training for administrators, nurses, personal care professionals, dieticians and even maintenance personnel. Training takes approximately one hour.
The benefits to the patient and family include:
- A reminder that all who enter should reflect on the situation that the family and patient are experiencing and give deference to their special needs at this time
- Allows the caregiver to pause and think about what they can do personally that would make the patient's and family's environment more pleasant and comfortable
- Enables the family to show love, humor, laughter and encouragement
- Contains no medical information; in accordance with HIPAA regulations
To schedule a Tree of Life in-service on sensitivity at end of life with one of our highly-trained facilitators, please contact the location nearest you.
