The Urban Experience Magazine had the opportunity to talk with Katrina Agnew. She is the VP of Hospice at Unity Point. Katrina shares about herself and her new role. 1. Tell the readers about yourself? I started working in the hospice industry October 13, 1994…over 27 years! I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, a Fellowship in Public Health Leadership, and a master’s degree in healthcare administration. I’ve worked in several capacities within the hospice industry such as Admissions, Business Development, multi-site leadership, and Operations. I’m passionate about hospice and want to ensure that everyone that needs hospice has the opportunity to choose it. I had my own personal hospice experience in November 2020 when we found out that my own mother, who we affectionately called “Mama” had stage 4 pancreatic cancer. There were no treatments for her except chemotherapy, and Mama was adamant that she didn’t want chemo. I took her to my home and hospice provided everything she needed to be comfortable. Hospice brought in all the equipment she needed, including a bed and walker. They also provided the medications she needed to keep her comfortable and pain-free. She had her own care team which included a nurse, hospice aide, physician, social worker, and chaplain. In addition to the care they provided for Mama, they made sure that my family and I knew what was going on at every stage of her illness. They helped to prepare us for her last days and I am forever grateful for them. 2. When many hear hospice, we think of the end of life. What services does hospice provide? Hospice is such a beautiful service that is so underutilized, because I think people don’t understand the services and benefits hospice provides for patients and their loved ones. Hospice is for those with an illness whose life expectancy is six months or less, and who are not seeking any aggressive treatment or cure. Hospice effectively manages physical pain and symptoms, but it also addresses spiritual and emotional pain. It really can be the difference between a good end-of-life experience and one that is unfavorable. Patients and families can truly experience the full benefits of hospice when they are referred earlier rather than later. The ability to have the services of a nurse, hospice aide, social worker, chaplain, volunteer, and physician are invaluable during such a trying time. They work together collaboratively to ensure the best care is being provided to patients and families. In addition to the staff provided, all medications, supplies, and equipment related to the primary hospice diagnosis are covered at 100% by Medicare, Medicaid, and some insurances and Veterans benefits. These are services that our communities are not aware of but could benefit them greatly. We sometimes suffer so needlessly, when a care team can help navigate the final days or weeks when a loved one has a life-limiting illness. 3. What impact do you desire to make in your role at Unity Point? In my role at Unity Point Hospice, my goal is to partner with our physicians and healthcare providers in the community to ensure we are providing the best care and meeting the needs of patients needing hospice. I would love to bring a greater awareness to the communities about the benefits of hospice care. I want to help everyone understand what the Medicare Hospice Benefit is and how to take advantage of it as they or their loved one goes through an end-of-life experience. I would love to help dispel some of the myths that create obstacles of thought and deter some in communities of color from accessing hospice. 4. How can our readers get more information about Hospice services? I commend your readers for wanting to know more about such an important service. They can go to our website for more information at www.unitypoint.org/hospice. Their doctor or health care provider can also answer questions about hospice care and can make a referral to our team. 5. Do you have any final thoughts you would like to share with our readers? Hospice is nothing to be fearful of. It is an individualized plan of care provided by professionals to patients and families which gives support during one of the hardest times in anyone’s life. It is your right to empower yourself and your community about these services so that needless pain and suffering does not happen. Hospice can make the most of the time that you or your loved one has left. I would be happy to speak with anyone having more questions about the benefits of hospice and what a difference it can make in the end-of-life experience. 11
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