178 How to Talk to Someone About Hospice: Communication Tips and Resources

Host Marie Betcher, a registered nurse and former hospice nurse, explains that Hospice Explained is an educational resource and not a substitute for medical advice. She discusses how to communicate about hospice with patients, families, providers, and caregivers: be truthful, expect emotions, keep the focus on the person you're talking to, practice active listening, and use clear, simple language. She recommends asking simple, open-ended questions, pausing to listen, treating the discussion as a collaborative conversation rather than a debate, and being prepared with referrals and plans to find answers together. She suggests pulse.org and fivewishes.org as accessible resources to start end-of-life planning conversations, and encourages listeners to subscribe and share the podcast.

00:00 Welcome & Medical Disclaimer

00:29 Meet Your Host: Why This Podcast Exists

00:42 How to Talk About Hospice: Truth, Emotions & Listening

01:10 Keep It Simple: Questions, Pauses, and Conversation (Not Debate)

01:49 Be Ready With Resources: POLST & Five Wishes

02:47 Wrap-Up: Start the Conversation + Subscribe

polst.org

https://www.fivewishes.org/

If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.

Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the cloud9caresystem.com, When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119)

When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You)

Marie's Contact [email protected] www.HospiceExplained.com

Finding a Hospice Agency

1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency,

2. choose Find provider

3. Choose Hospice

4. then add your zip code

This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.