5 Easy Ways to Prepare for Hospice Care

When you find out that your loved one doesn’t have much longer to live, it’s normal to feel a wide range of emotions such as guilt, sadness and resentment. One way to make this transition easier on the both of you is to receive hospice care. This type of care focuses on improving quality of life for terminally ill patients. Hospice nurses tend to the patient’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs during this time.

Here are five easy ways to prepare for the transition to hospice care.

1. Educate Yourself on the Different End-of-Life Treatments

Before you can have serious conversations about end-of-life care, you must be educated on the different treatments available such as CPR, advanced life support, intubation and feeding tubes. Talk with your family and loved one about what type of treatments would be important and what you would be willing to tolerate for your loved one to have a longer life.

2. Start Conversations Early

If you know what’s important to you, don’t keep it a secret. Now is the time to have a conversation with your family members about what type of end-of-life care you’re comfortable with. Be sure to involve your loved one in these conversations, as their wishes matter most. Also, be aware that one conversation is usually not enough. They should be ongoing and may change based on your loved one’s prognosis.

3. Know the Differences between Palliative Care and Hospice Care

Palliative care and hospice care are two separate types of care, which means your loved one can receive both at once. Palliative care is available to anyone with a serious illness, whether or not they’re dying. Hospice care provides comfort care to those with life-threatening illnesses. Know the differences between the two types of care and when to ask for them.

4. Learn to Communicate Effectively

Communication with your loved one’s care team is essential. You need all the facts before making critical decisions, and it’s helpful to have all the doctors weigh in on your decisions. Not all doctors are the best communicators, so it’s up to you to lead the conversations. If you’re emotional, record the conversations so that you can refer back to them.

5. Prepare a Space in the Home

Take time to prepare the home (or space) for your loved one and their caregiver. Be mindful of noise, temperature, lighting, cleanliness and comfort. Also keep important items within reach so that the caregiver doesn’t have to go far for the things they need. People in hospice also tend to enjoy famed pictures of their loved ones, cards and heirlooms.

Now that you’re informed on hospice care and how to best prepare for this transition, contact VNA Health Group to learn more about our services. We provide support, guidance and assistance for terminally ill patients and their families.