Talking to Your Loved Ones About Hospice
End of life and hospice care can be difficult subjects to talk about. However, it is important for patients and their loved ones to have open dialogue around the end-of-life journey. Talking about death can free you and your loved ones to celebrate every precious moment of life.
When discussing hospice and the end of life, it may help to focus on the quality care, compassion and support hospice provides. As the end of life approaches, an open dialogue between patients, loved ones and care providers will maximize the longevity and comfort of the patient’s life. This approach also keeps patients involved in making important decisions regarding their physical, spiritual and emotional care. Family members should understand the wishes of their loved ones.
Strong lines of communication can also lead to the early identification of a need for hospice care. In most cases, the earlier a patient is referred to hospice care, the better quality of life the patient will have. Early referrals allow the patient to benefit from pain and symptom management, living each day to the fullest while the family benefits from team support and guidance that will allow them to find meaning and a sense of accomplishment as caregivers.
Our new Ask the Experts educational series helps educate the public as well as clinicians on hospice topics from how to have the conversation around hospice, to the best ways to manage pain and symptoms at end of life. Click here to register for our upcoming webinars and to explore our video library.
How to start a conversation with your family about end-of-life wishes
From Our Patients & Their Families
"With your help, I was able to have Polly be comfortable at home with her family and friends. I wanted also to be with Polly and provide her with my loving care during our last weeks together. Thank you for making all of that possible for me." More...
