Having a conversation about Hospice can be difficult, even for the most experienced of us. Our passion is that everyone receives the end-of-life care that they deserve, and that care begins with a conversation. Below are some tips to consider when approaching this discussion.
Choose a private setting.
Make sure everyone who wants to be involved in the conversation is present and make sure you have sufficient time to discuss all options.
Learn What the Patient/Family Knows about His/Her Health Situation:
Discuss the current health situation facing your loved one.
Make sure that everyone has the same level of understanding of the medical needs and situation.
Don’t use the word ‘hospice’ right away, because that word can sometimes be incorrectly viewed as negative. Instead discuss what hospice does. “Do you think you would benefit from a nurse dedicated to your overall medical management and pain control?”
Determine Patient/Family Goals of Care:
Discuss directly with your loved one about what they want. What do they hope for at this point in their life? Many, if not most people, will say they want to be comfortable, be at home and not become a burden. Help them understand what will likely happen. Come to a shared understanding of the overall goals of care.
Again, we understand that this conversation can be difficult. That is why we are always available to assist you and your loved ones in having this conversation. If you have questions or need help, please reach out to us today.