The time leading up to the end of life is difficult for most. Yet it is also a time when life’s journey offers peace and reflection. Enlisting a hospice provider can help guide individuals and their loved ones through this often confusing and overwhelming stage, providing comfort and support along the way.
The hospice decision is important, but once made, it can help patients and those they designate as their advocates find a place of calm amid the challenges of end-of-life. Coming to the hospice decision is often a process for all involved. For many, it requires a series of decisions they must make before eventually making the call to hospice.
Some of the decisions involve weighing the pros and cons of many details related to their care needs. These details can range from the availability of multiple treatment options, a lack of desire to make more trips to the hospital or clinic for care, and the need to come to terms with their mortality. Caregivers find themselves in the position of having to assist their loved ones in redefining what quality of life looks like, given their prognosis.
Once “the call” to hospice occurs, family members and/or patient advocates can rest assured that their decision to place their loved one under the care of a hospice provider was a good one.
These examples are just some of the ways using a hospice provider may prove beneficial:
- Instead of visible signs of pain and discomfort, individuals begin to observe their loved one experience physical, emotional, and spiritual relief through comfort measures that begin immediately upon admission.
- The weight of trying to determine “Is now the time?” lessens as patients and loved ones begin to focus on quality of life and on living each day to its fullest.
- The complexity that often comes with multiple treatment options begins to diminish, making the ultimate goal of providing patient comfort and quality of life seem more achievable.
- The burden often associated with being a caregiver feels lifted, as the responsibility becomes one shared with the hospice team.
- The fear that comes from anticipating the unknown begins to change, and many find comfort in knowing they do not have to face the journey alone.
- The discussions between patients and loved ones, well in advance of need, build confidence in knowing how to walk alongside them each day and help them fulfill their desires—especially in times when they may be unable to do so themselves.
- Many feel peace knowing that when the time comes, the hospice team will help them find hope after experiencing the loss of someone special.
