The principal goal of hospice is to ensure the end-of-life process is as comfortable and peaceful as possible for patients, caregivers and loved ones. Still, deciding when to begin this supportive care can be a difficult and overwhelming process. Below, we discuss the potential benefits of hospice and answer some common questions surrounding this field of medicine.
What does hospice care entail?
Hospice care provides medical services, emotional support and spiritual resources for people in the late stages of an incurable illness, such as cancer or Alzheimer's disease. Hospice care also helps family members manage the practical details and emotional challenges of caring for someone who is in the end stages of their life.
A common misconception about starting hospice is that it is a last resort. Many people also believe that hospice means a lower level of medical care when, in reality, it is a form of specialized care that focuses on enhancing the quality of the days the patient has left, instead of continuing with treatment to prolong life. The main goal of hospice is to keep patients as comfortable as possible during their last moments. Hospice care strives to give patients and their families as much control and dignity as possible with the time they have together.
Who provides hospice care?
Hospice services are provided by a group of dedicated caregivers that consists of healthcare professionals, volunteers and spiritual advisors. The services they offer can include:
- Basic medical care with a focus on pain management and symptom control.
- Access to a hospice team member 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Medical supplies and equipment, as needed.
- Counseling and social support for both the patient and their loved ones.
- Guidance with the complex challenges of life completion and closure.
Additionally, Parkview Home Health and Hospice utilizes a team approach, providing patients and their loved ones with the support they need to navigate each moment of their hospice journey. Whether at home or in a facility, patients and families can find comfort and guidance from the following team members:
- Personal physician
- Hospice medical director
- Registered nurse
- Home health aide
- Social worker
- Chaplain
- Volunteers
- Pharmacist
- Massage, occupational, physical and/or music therapists
Parkview’s hospice team will also adjust a patient’s care plan as their situation and needs change. Many people worry about losing touch with their regular physician, but we take steps to ensure this doesn’t happen by collaborating with their primary care provider and coordinating care.
What steps should someone take to prepare for hospice?
Choosing hospice care can be an overwhelming and challenging decision, but there are steps patients and their loved ones can take to prepare and ease into this new chapter.
- Prepare a list of advance directives. These are instructions for a patient’s provider and family members. They let them know what kind of care someone wants if they cannot speak or express themselves.
- Understand their coverage. Before finalizing their decision, patients or caregivers will need to find out if their health insurance covers hospice care.
- Locate local resources. Patients and caregivers will want to find local hospice programs and a care team to work with them and collaborate with their doctor, state health department and insurance company.
- Choose their hospice services. Knowing what a patient wants before entering a hospice program can benefit everyone involved.
Other questions and aspects of care patients should think about as they prepare for hospice should include:
- Who do you want to make decisions about your medical care?
- What are your biggest fears and anxieties around the end of life?
- Where would you prefer to spend your final months, days or moments?
- Do you want to make organ donation a priority?
- Do you have specific wishes regarding religious rites or practices?
Where can patients and caregivers turn for help?
If you have questions or want more information about hospice and palliative care services or a patient referral to Parkview Hospice, please call 260-373-9800 or 800-363-9977. You can also complete our online form here. We are happy to answer your questions and walk those paths with you.
Helpful resources
For more information on hospice care, take a look at these posts on the Parkview Dashboard blog:
Minimizing the fear and anxiety around the end of life
An open dialogue about end-of-life and palliative care
A team approach to hospice care
Lifelong connections made through hospice care
Simple strategies for soothing a loved one
The helping hand of a hospice chaplain
Making the most of end-of-life conversations
Understanding the dying process
Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
