[sci.med.aids] AIDS Hospices

MJG3@PSUVM.PSU.EDU (martin j grant) (11/27/89)

Are there any such thing as AIDS hospices?  At present I feel that I might be
infected and I am am still debating on being tested.  In any case (tested or
not tested) if I am infected I feel that I have the average life span (5-8
years).  This being the case, I do not not want to be a burden on my family or
friends.  I was wondering if there is a type commune where AIDS victims in the
advance stages of the disease can go.  I would appreciate any information so
that I may start planning in advance.

skaron@eagle.wesleyan.edu (11/28/89)

In article <29496@shemp.CS.UCLA.EDU>, MJG3@PSUVM.PSU.EDU (martin j grant) writes:
> Are there any such thing as AIDS hospices?  At present I feel that I might be
> infected and I am am still debating on being tested.  In any case (tested or
> not tested) if I am infected I feel that I have the average life span (5-8
> years).  This being the case, I do not not want to be a burden on my family or
> friends.  I was wondering if there is a type commune where AIDS victims in the
> advance stages of the disease can go.  I would appreciate any information so
> that I may start planning in advance.

  As far as I know, one was built in Boston. However the Boston Globe editorial
said that this was the first one in the Nation. (It was opened in late summer.)
I don't know if others have been opened since then, but it is likely that many
will be built in the near future.

  I can understand not wanting to be a burden on your family or friends, but
you will think this topic over and over in many different ways...You will
eventually want your friends and family around, and they will want to be with
you...So while you think you will be saving them a burden, you may actually be
causing them despair..(And 5-8 years is a long time if you use it right, and
the lifespan is increasing every year...so don't count yourself out of anything
just yet!!)

-Steve Karon
 SKaron@Eagle.wes.edu

 If you want to be worried about casual contact, go ahead and be paranoid,...Me
I've got better things to do.