No one likes to think about death and dying, but it’s something everyone has to face eventually.

There’s an incredible resource in our community that provides comfort, dignity and respect to all those coping with a serious or life-limiting illness. It’s Hospice Services of Lake County.

November is National Hospice Palliative Care Month, a time to reach out to our community to raise awareness about the compassionate care that is hospice care.

One of the most important messages to help people understand is that hospice care helps patients and families focus on living.

This specialized care and support helps make more meaningful moments happen for those facing end-of-life challenges.

The hospice team provides expert medical care to keep patients comfortable and able to enjoy time with loved ones.

The hospice team answers questions, offers advice on what to expect, and helps families with the duties of being a caregiver.

The team also provides emotional and spiritual support for the entire family.

Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medi-Cal and by most insurance plans and HMOs. Hospice care is provided in the home, nursing homes, assisted living facilities or any place a person calls home.

Hospice care is available to people of all ages, with any illness. Hospice professionals and trained volunteers will ask you what’s important and listen to what you say. They make your wishes a priority.

If you or a loved one is facing a serious or life-limiting illness, the time to find out more about hospice care is right now.

Diane Plante, CPA, is president of the Hospice Services of Lake County Board of Directors serving Lake County, Calif.