The Directory 2023-2024

A s kth e pros

African American families are reluctant to accept hospice services Meet Dennis Cross, M.D.

Joe Stanislav President & CEO Our Lady of Peace A recent report from the National Hospice Association reveals that only 8 percent of hospice patients were African American. As a result, Medicare spends about 20 percent more on the last year of life for people of color than those who are white. Medicare covers hospice care, so why aren’t people using it?

Dennis Cross is a physician with Our Lady of Peace Hospice. He is a black man who believes he was admitted to medical school in 1976 because a photo wasn’t required with his application. He also believes the under-utilization of hospice care by African American people is caused by a legacy of distrust. When he was honorably discharged from the military in Vietnam at age 21, no one in Dr. Cross’ hometown would give him a car loan. He understands discrimination, and the distrust it causes. According to Dr. Cross, “If a physician recommends that an African American goes into hospice, there is distrust because they assume it’s because the physician doesn’t want to care for them in the hospital. As a result, people miss out on a compassionate, peaceful hospice experience.” Hospice in your home– agood fi rst step “People don’t know that hospice care is available in their home, and it’s covered by Medicare,” says Dr. Cross. It provides a space for building trust between the family and caregivers. It’s a comfortable fi rst step for African American families, so when more care is needed, they are prepared for our hospice residence. “ Th e goal is to open the line of communication about racial issues with human kindness, honesty, and respect,” said Dr. Cross. Empathy is an outcome of human kindness, and it occurs when patients and physicians move past assumption to sincere understanding.

People don’t know that hospice care is available in their home, and it’s covered by Medicare

Dennis Cross, physician with Our Lady of Peace Hospice

Dr. Cross offers tips for families and doctors caring for terminally ill people Practice active listening • Positive body language speaks for itself. • Lean in to show you’re interested in what a person has to say. Questions that lead to respect Family questions to ask • “Help me understand why my father should enter hospice.” Physician questions to ask • “How would you like to be addressed?” • “How would you like to interact– by phone, email, or in-person?” • “Why is my suggestion of hospice not setting well with you, knowing there is no further treatment?” Don’t be afraid to be honest • It’s okay to say, “I don’t intend to be disrespectful or o ff end you, so please let me know if I am.”

We’re here for you

O ff ering... • Education • Support groups • Community outreach • Respite care and more

For people of color who care for their loved ones at home

Call the Helpline 952-945-4034

30