When It's Time to Consider Hospice Care

Understanding When It's Time to Consider Hospice Care

Navigating the complexities of end-of-life care for a loved one can be emotionally challenging and overwhelming. Knowing when to consider hospice care marks a significant moment in the journey toward providing comfort, support, and dignity during life's final stages. Making this decision involves various factors that revolve around the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the individual. Understanding the signs and indicators can help families and individuals make informed decisions about when hospice care may be appropriate. Below are some questions to help you better understand if you are ready for hospice:

As a patient:

• Do you need help with pain and symptom management to live more "normally"?

• Do you have more than one serious condition, like diabetes and heart disease?

• Have you been diagnosed with a serious illness that could run its course in one year or less?

• Have you been admitted to the ER/hospital several times within the last six months?

•  Are you having a hard time talking to your doctor and family about your personal preferences as you consider end-of-life care choices?         

As a caregiver:

• How many hours a day or week do you spend taking care of your loved one?            

• Do you feel overwhelmed or isolated?
•  Are you getting enough help from friends and family members?
•  Have you been ill recently?
• Are you experiencing sleep issues?
• Are you irritable or weepy?
• Is the situation taking a toll on your personal or professional life?
• Is caregiving causing a financial strain?

Deciding on hospice care marks a shift in focus from pursuing medical treatment to prioritizing comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Recognizing the signs, understanding the emotional and spiritual needs, and having open discussions with healthcare providers and family members are crucial steps in determining when hospice care may be the most appropriate and compassionate choice for end-of-life care. It's about ensuring that the individual's final days are filled with comfort, support, and dignity, surrounded by caring professionals and loved ones. When you’re ready, contact us at 800.707.8921.

Title: Book Review: The Little Book of Mindfulness

By Jodee Coulter, MT-BC, CT, Bereavement Coordinator

“Living through the pain of grief is emotionally taxing, mentally draining and physically exhausting. We can be filled with thoughts of fear, anxiety, loneliness and procrastination. As we walk this path we take less time for ourselves for wellness. In this brief instructional book, Dr. Collard focuses on meditation in many forms, whether taking a walk and noticing your surroundings, standing in mountain pose, lying on your bed or sitting in a chair. She provides opportunities to open your heart, mind and physical being to release the stress and sadness that come with grief. She addresses how the “busyness” we create is a coping mechanism to avoid the “real thing-our lives”. These 5–10-minute practices of meditation have been shown to increase energy, awareness, compassion, calm and can create new brain patterns enhancing psychological and cognitive changes that can create an improvement in or perceptions and well-being. They Bring us more in tune with our breath and daily moments. So take some time to unplug. Put on some comfy, loose clothing, find a peaceful place and allow yourself 5-10 minutes to feel, relax and explore with wonder. Your aching heart will thank you.