When should I consult Hospice?

Typically when someone hears the term hospice they immediately have a negative, maybe even sad connection with the word. I can see why, the word is intermingled with death and dying and that can be a pretty scary thing. However what you may not think about is the options and comfort that hospice can provide in a stressful and rough situation. This is not to say that hospice is for everyone, but this post will hopefully give you a better picture as to what hospice can provide.

What is Hospice?

Hospice is a form of care for those suffering from a life ending disease or illness. Hospice involves a team of experts in the field of pain management, case management, MDs, and many others whose expertise is of the dying.

Okay, but what exactly does that mean?

One of hospice's main priorities is keeping your loved one pain free. There are many terminal illnesses where pain is a big factor and even other diseases that the individual may also have that affects pain in their last stages life. For instance although your loved one may have dementia and may not be experiencing pain from this, they may also have severe arthritis and other issues causing pain or discomfort. Considering involving hospice is typically a focus on ensuring that your loved one is as comfortable as they can be.

Who can be on hospice?

You must have a terminal diagnosis to qualify for hospice and typically an estimation of 6 months or less to live. Many healthcare providers are familiar with end stages of dementia as well as ending stages of other diagnoses and can help guide you when it may be that time to bring in hospice.

So, does Medicare cover this?

Yes, hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and many other managed care companies.

Can you have therapy while on hospice?

Yes and no. Typically you cannot receive therapy while on hospice if the goal is for strengthening and improving the patient's function. BUT you can receive therapy to fix an issue that may be causing pain or could improve the quality of life if the therapist deems it necessary, however all such services must be pre-approved by hospice. Always communicate any issues with your MD as this will make it easier to assist with any issues and resolve them timely.

Should I even be asking about hospice?

Yes! Researching and asking questions about hospice does not mean that you are hoping for the worst, it means that you are understanding of what is to come and care for your loved one enough to make them more comfortable. Even speaking to a hospice representative may help you better understand the many possibilities of hospice even if it is too soon to actually implement the program as of yet.

Do I have to use hospice?

Ultimately it is the individuals or power of attorney’s (POA’s) decision to involve hospice as many other decisions need to be made at that time. What we want to impress upon you though is the expertise of the health care providers and the experience that they have. If a healthcare provider is mentioning hospice to you, it is coming from a place of understanding of what hospice can offer your loved one, not from a place of hoping that your loved one might die.

In our experience as caregivers and therapists we have seen many individuals progress through their stages of recovery and return to normal. On the other side of that we have seen many go through the end stages of life and have seen the typical evidence that presents itself in a timeline. With that being said, healthcare workers are more likely to notice when someone is entering into those final stages. And wouldn't you want your loved one to be comfortable in those final stages?

Can I change my mind?

Of course! Say that your loved one decides they no longer want to remain on hospice and want to resume chemo or dialysis treatments, or whatever other services they are going through, then a simple discussion with your doctor and hospice providers will remedy the mindset of palliative care and allow the conversion back to focus on rehabilitation and return to previous treatments. Although keep in mind the diagnosis, as some diagnoses have no cure or alternative. This is not meant to discourage, only to be realistic.

How can I contact someone?

Although you can obviously talk to your MD, social workers, and other medical professionals that work with your loved one there is also an online resource: Check out the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.

This will be one of the hardest decisions that your loved one or you have to make but we ask you to consider hospice as a decision of comfort and not as a last resort.

Talking to others who have been through these experiences and asking questions if you have them can be helpful. Starting conversations with those that have been there and talking to the healthcare providers can be a great first step to understanding all the options.

The information you need...Straight Up.