How to start a conversation about the subject of hospice

I often tell people two things: whatever’s happening is going to happen regardless of hospice. I am confident that hospice will provide the care that is truly needed as people and their families are able to journey together towards the day of death. Although suggesting that hospice isn’t an issue that anyone would like to have or looks at having, if you understand the benefits of having a hospice service versus not having it and you are having the discussion because you are concerned and believe in your heart that everyone deserves the most excellent care from the moment they’re born until they take our last breaths.

However, hospice is typically not recommended for patients when they first become eligible due to the fact that life expectancies are extremely difficult to determine. Additionally, a doctor might consider that a patient may not be able to accept hospice and therefore, they may be hesitant or putting off the discussion, in fear that recommending it could hurt the patient or family members or be perceived as damaging their expectations. But, it’s important to understand that the earlier an individual gets admitted into hospice the earlier they and their family members can concentrate on the quality of life. If they receive hospice care early patients can spend the time to spend with family and friends, while not suffering from any ailment or pain rather than having the final few weeks or days of their lives in a comfortable state. Through hospice, patients can concentrate on the important aspects of their life while caregivers are provided with support and direction.

It is crucial for doctors as well as healthcare professionals to be aware that Medicare has specific guidelines for diseases (known by the acronym LCD’s, or the local coverage determination) which can assist the doctor by supplying a list of ailments/symptoms that need to be present to determine whether an individual patient meets the requirements set forth by Medicare for admission to hospice. Thus, according to LCD guidelines, according to LCD recommendations, hospice care start after a doctor has determined that the patient’s lifespan is less than 6 months when the disease is in its normal course and the patient is not seeking a medical treatment and wishes to shift their focus towards managing symptoms and pain.

When hospice services are initiated Once hospice is established, the hospice staff arrive at your home, not as strangers, but friendly healthcare professionals that often become friends. They will educate, guide and instruct, they listen, provide assistance, encouragement and assist you in navigating difficult tasks, care and paperwork that are associated with the end of life concerns and circumstances. Hospice will gently guide you through what to expect, and offers advice and assistance in knowing what’s happening to the person you love dearly.

Despite efforts to raise awareness about hospice accessibility, awareness, and use the myths surrounding hospice persist in modern society, causing ineffectiveness the hospice service. While hospice can be beneficial for patients and their loved ones at any time it is provided families and the patient are the ones to benefits from hospice when the hospice team has a period of weeks or months instead of just only a few days or weeks to evaluate and offer the care the family and patient require.

It would be a pleasure to meet with you if you have any questions or would like to learn more about the benefits and services of hospice. You can reach me via phone at 334-892-4123.

“Beginning Today, be sure to treat every person you meet as if they’re going to be dead at midnight. Give them all the attention, compassion and compassion you achieve and do this without idea of a reward. You will not be the same”. -Og Mandino. Og Mandino

– Vickie C. Wacaster is a patient and hospice advocate for Aveanna Hospice (formerly Comfort Care Hospice).

The article How to start a discussion on hospice was originally published in The Andalusia Star-News.