My mom was in #hospice care for a week. It was very hard on all of us but, we supported my mom's decision 100%. The lousy #cancer had won. Looking back, I don't think that she ever had a chance.
Relatives and loved ones of hospice #patients may find themselves in a whirlwind of emotions, from
#anger to sadness, guilt to relief. Loved ones may be angry that they were left out of the process or unsure how their loved one is doing everything they can to ensure they get the best care possible for themselves and their family. #Guilt is another feeling that loved ones may feel. They may feel guilty for being relieved to put their relative in the care of hospice, so they can avoid any more suffering or pain.
Siblings or relatives may not understand where your parents are coming from with their #decision to enroll in hospice. It's okay if you don't understand either! The hospice team you are working with will help you understand everything involved. However, it's important to realize that your #parent or #relative may have just reached a point where they cannot fight anymore. That doesn't mean they love you any less; it just means they need this #care.
You may also feel guilty for not being the one to make the decision to enroll. It's okay if you don't feel guilty! Many people are not aware of hospice care alone because their loved ones often bring up the idea first. If your family member or relative asks you to sign them up, it means they have done the research and believe that this will help them in their time of need.
Some family members and relatives may not be supportive; of the idea of your parent or relative enrolling in hospice care, which can cause further #stress on yourself and worse on the patient. Do your best to communicate with them, letting them know you understand their feelings, but this is what your loved one needs right now. If they continue to be stubborn and won't budge, politely ask them to #respect your loved one's wishes.
Hospice care is a type of medical care that helps manage your loved one's wishes for people with #terminal illnesses. The #goal of hospice is not to find a #cure or even provide life-extending treatment. Instead, it manages pain and other side effects of a serious illness so that the patient might live as comfortably and for as long as possible.
Hospice care is typically provided at home, in a hospital, long-term care e facility, or nursing home. Hospice can be used along with other types of medical care to provide relief from the symptoms caused by a terminal illness. There are no restrictions on age, diagnosis, or type of insurance for hospice patients.
To #enroll into hospice care, you must have a doctor referral from your primary care physician or specialist. This is mainly because the team will want to assess your condition before making any decisions. In addition to an assessment, hospice will also be sure all paperwork has been filled out, and you understand all the information provided.
The #assessment includes a patient and family #interview to learn more about your diagnosis and its impact on your daily life, possible treatment options, and care goals. Your doctor and hospice team will then develop a plan that is tailored to meet your needs. This may include ensuring you have adequate supplies at home, such as a hospital bed and oxygen.
In the very near future, you will have to make some significant decisions. The hospice team can help explain your choices and answer any questions that you may have. This may include additional paperwork or legal documents, which most health care facilities require, but they are there to help you.
It's important to know that all decisions you make are your own, regardless of what others say or think.
When you feel like life is too much to handle, it may be time for hospice care. If you are looking for help managing your condition or deciding on the best type of care, contact the team at your local provider sooner than later.
Presently there is a #nurse shortage due to #pandemic burnout, #vaccine mandates, and a mass exodus from the profession as a whole. So in some cases, there is a wait. These are terrifying times in #healthcare.
Melissa Mullamphy
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