November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, and hospices nationwide are raising awareness about the highest-quality care for people coping with life-limiting illnesses. Reports indicate that approximately 1.4 million people living with a life-limiting illness receive hospice care in the United States every year.
When providing hospice care, medical treatment is integrated with the emotional and spiritual support families require when dealing with a severe or terminal illness. Hospice professionals aim to control end-of-life disease symptoms and enable patients to choose where they spend their remaining time, such as in their homes. Moreover, caregivers and families are supported and educated through hospice care. Counseling and bereavement services are also available to help support caregivers and family members (including children) with their loved one’s impending death.
Talking about hospice care and deciding to seek hospice care can be challenging. It is a hard conversation to have. However, hospice’s benefits, care, and support can make it worth discussing. Here are a few suggestions to start the conversation:
Going to hospice doesn’t mean you are giving up.
Many people believe going to hospice care means waiting for the end. Hospice is another form of care that focuses on reducing pain and discomfort while improving quality of life.
Having an initial conversation is very important.
Starting the hospice conversation is another way of exploring treatment options that are best for your loved one’s medical situation.
Determine the individual needs.
Someone living with a chronic condition may be at different stages regarding the care they want. Some may want to continue to pursue a cure, while others are not interested in that avenue. Knowing your loved one’s wishes regarding the next step in their care is essential for making an informed decision.
Ask the right questions.
Hospice care is a discussion no one wants to have, as talking about death is difficult. However, openly starting the conversation may surprise you with how comfortable loved ones can be with the topic.
Melissa Hurst, MD
Medical Director
Chisholm Trail Hospice
