This is a topic that deeply moves me, but in good ways. My mother, during her last few months, required the care of hospice. The social worker of the skilled facility where she died, contacted me a few times to talk about getting my mother evaluated for hospice, but I wasn’t buying what she was selling. It wasn’t until the third time she came to me that I finally gave in and said to go ahead with the hospice assessment. I’m glad I finally agreed but it took me time to think, feel, and come to the realization that she was right.
When Is It Time To Make The Call?
I’m pretty sure that no one looks forward to someone recommending hospice for their loved one. It simply means too many things, like the end is near, there is nothing anyone can do, and that’s the way it is. It’s about death. Or is it? Hospice is actually more about living and enhancing quality of life for as long as possible. Hospice is also about managing symptoms like pain and nausea. It is about comfort and peace.
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But, when should we make the call? As early as possible. Hospice professionals are uniquely trained and prepared to handle a whole host of special needs, problems, and situations that other healthcare professionals may not be so prepared to handle effectively. Hospice professionals specialize in end-of-life care, the dying process, and any other need, be it physical, emotional, psychosocial, or spiritual. Getting them onboard as realistically as possible is optimal, because studies have shown that early intervention by hospice increases quality of life, manages symptoms, particularly pain, and may actually extend life somewhat. These are real benefits that cannot go ignored.
Facts
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 1.3 million people are currently on hospice in the United States. While this sounds like a lot, many people who could benefit greatly from hospice never receive it. Why? Hospice is still not widely understood. People confuse it with palliative care. Families and physicians may avoid the word altogether, and perhaps more unfortunately, when it is offered, it is done so much too late. The majority of older people diagnosed with neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and ALS, receive hospice services for an average of 11 days before they die. This is an incredibly sad fact that we must do something about.
The Difference between Traditional Care and Hospice
It took me some time to differentiate between traditional care and the role of hospice. But now that I understand, early referral to hospice has become much more important. Conventional treatment is about isolating and treating specific disorders like diabetes, high blood pressure or Multiple Sclerosis. Hospice treats the person as a whole, and while the person does not have to discontinue all medications or treatments, letting go of extreme measures is a reality. For instance, if the individual on hospice and is depressed, antidepressants medications will not be discontinued if they are effective. On the other hand, if the person is on chemotherapy, it will be discontinued.
It’s Not an Easy Decision
Although it may be painful for the family to make the decision to call upon hospice, the pain and suffering of the individual is what should be the focus and the sooner hospice gets involved, the better symptoms can be managed. There will be many questions, but only one or two may be the most important. Can quality of living be improved on hospice? Can hospice bring peace, comfort and an ease to suffering? Answering these questions may make this tough decision a little easier to make.
So, when is it time for hospice?
Thinking about hospice is difficult, especially when it concerns someone we deeply love. Making the decision to call upon hospice is even more difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Think about the person who needs pain and symptom management. How long will traditional treatment either reduce or keep them in pain? How is their quality of life while they are still alive? Can it be improved with hospice? What is the most compassionate choice to make regarding their care? I hope this makes it easier for someone thinking about hospice.
Please visit https://www.ceu.academy for more education about death, dying, and hospice. The more you know, the better. And remember, you will not get a second chance at someone’s death. Get it right the first time.