Why the Hospice Discussion is Important
There are many topics that are hard to discuss. Whether it’s talking about your health and wellness with a doctor, finances with your spouse or a career change with your employer, sometimes we would rather postpone (or minimalize) the discussion to make our lives easier. Discussing hospice care with your senior parent or loved one can be difficult, but one that should never be ignored. Prolonging this important discussion will only lead to more challenges in the future.
Do you know what your parent’s wishes are if their health ever begins to fail? Does your aging spouse have a DNR (do not resuscitate) request in the event of a medical emergency? All of us should be aware of the benefits provided by hospice care, whether it’s for a family member or even for ourselves. Most of us know about hospice and understand it’s an option for us as we approach the end of life. Hospice offers a focus on pain relief and diminished suffering instead of prolonging life which is more typical of palliative care.
An independent study by a policy analysis and research organization called KFF, found that 71% of Americans would prefer to die at home if they had the choice. People surveyed in this same study were also asked, “What is the most important thing to note when thinking about their own death?” Over half said they wanted to make sure their family was not financially burdened by their care. Hospice care benefits are often paid with Medicare, Medicaid and the Veteran’s Administration as well as through many insurance companies, making it an affordable and smart decision.
Hospice care is eligible to anyone who has been diagnosed with an illness in which life expectancy is measured in months instead of years. Often individuals receive hospice care for 6 months or less, but many Family Hospice patients and their families have told us they wish they would have begun hospice care sooner. Care can be at the home, hospital, or nursing home, wherever the patient resides.
Family Hospice and its care providers are able to assist with medication, help with a patient’s personal hygiene needs and remain in close contact with the patient’s doctor. Family Hospice also offers other benefits that include pet therapy, massage therapy and bereavement counseling. They have a team of volunteers that can also visit the patient with a favorite book or a new, funny story. Hospice care offers families and caregivers a viable option for caring for their loved one, being by their side, in the comfort of their home.
Life goes by so quickly, and we often do not take the time to have conversations that may arouse tears and feelings of sorrow. However; it’s important to understand that discussing the benefits of hospice care in advance will take out the “guess work” later and overall will help with any tough decisions that may need to be made. If you would like to learn more about Family Hospice or have questions about hospice care, please call us at (618)277-1800 or find us online at https://familyhospice.org/.
