What is Hospice?
The word hospice is often seen in our culture as a scary word. I wanted to start the conversation about hospice in hopes that it wonât be such a scary concept, but actually a great benefit to those who need it.
In my own personal experience, at the end of my grandmaâs life, she signed on to hospice. Hospice was able to provide the reassurance that if we as a family needed anything, they would be there. I remember the nurse visiting while I was present. She was kind and loving towards my grandmother and very gentle when she spoke to her. Not only did they provide great care to my grandmother, but they also provided counseling support after she passed. Many of my family members utilized this benefit and I truly believed this helped them to grieve well.
Hospice is scary because:
If my Dad goes on hospice doesnât that mean heâs going to die?
The goal of hospice is to maintain quality of life and to provide comfort care. It is true that in order to qualify for hospice, your dad would need to have a diagnosis/serious condition in which the progression of that condition would predict the patient to have 6 months or less to live. Because no one can truly predict a personâs lifespan, even with a serious condition, the hospice team frequently assesses symptoms of the illness to provide the best care and to continue services as needed. It is possible for your dad to be on hospice for 6 months and then no longer need it because he has improved.
2. What if we donât have the money for hospice?
Although I am not an expert on the area of insurance, having worked in a skilled nursing facility with patients on hospice for the past 2 and a half years, I am confident that Medicare and Medicaid both have a hospice benefit it eligible for the services if your loved one needs it.
3. Wonât my loved one be too drugged to talk to us?
Each familyâs situation is different. Your loved on may require pain medication while on hospice. However, this medication is closely monitored while maintaining your loved oneâs quality of life.
4. Wonât the hospice team remove my Momâs current medications?
Taking into consideration your momâs advanced directives (also known as âdo not resuscitate orderâ) medications may be changed or discontinued but only with your family’s care goals in mind.
Hospice is great because:
1. Theyâre a support to both patients AND family with a wide range of services.
2. They partner with the caregivers and family support that is already in place.
3. They provide emotional support during and after your loved ones care.
4. They offer grieving support and resources.
For more information on what hospice can do for you:
https://www.nhpco.org/about-hospice-and-palliative-care/hospice-faqs
https://medlineplus.gov/hospicecare.html
https://hospicefoundation.org/hfa/media/Files/8-5x11_booklet_Hospice_Cagle_Sept1.pdf
*Please talk to your hospice team about the specific things they can provide and how often they will visit.
I hope this was a helpful overview of the âHâ word.
Sincerely,
Kelly Allen
