When Is It Time For Hospice

When it comes to deciding on hospice care, timing is crucial. Hospice care is typically considered when a patient has a terminal illness or life-limiting condition, and curative treatments are no longer effective or beneficial. The primary focus of hospice is to provide comfort, support, and dignity in the end-of-life journey. This critical juncture is reached when the patient's healthcare team determines that their end of life is approaching. The decision to transition to hospice care is never easy, but it allows patients to receive specialized medical attention, pain management, emotional support, and assistance with daily activities in the comfort of their own homes or a hospice facility. It also provides peace of mind to family members, who can be assured that their loved one will be cared for compassionately during this challenging time. Hospice enhances the quality of life for both the patient and their family as they navigate the final chapter of life together.

Join the conversation with your host Marie Betcher as she delves deeper into this sensitive topic of when it is time for hospice care and gain insights into the medical indicators that signify the need for hospice and the range of services and supports you can reach out to help your loved one get appropriate care. Marie also shares the stories of her mom's end-of-life health decline, pivotal points and home nursing care to provide a heartfelt perspective on the compassionate care needed during this difficult journey.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:00] Introduction to the show

[01:13] When is it time for hospice

[02:40] Options available when it's not hospice

[03:52] Marie's mom end of life health decline and home nursing care

[11:55] How pivoting and being proactive can make all the difference

[13:28] The importance of having a primary care doctor for your loved one

[14:01] Reaching out and communicating accurately to describe your loved one's needs

[16:01] Wrap-up and end of the show

Notable Quotes

● Every person is unique, and their process at the end of life is at their own pace. [01:21]

● It's really important not to be alone in decision-making; it's helpful to have a doctor who understands your particular individual needs; this relationship has so much value. [03:30]

● Hospice or the end of life takes two physicians to certify that the end of life is approaching for someone to be declared hospice. [13:45]

● If you have this gut feeling that your loved one is approaching the end of life or if your loved one is saying the end of life is coming, and there is an illness or a process going on, try and make an appointment with a doctor to discuss your goals of care and how the end of life might go. [14:01]

Resources Mentioned

Marie's other podcast, Hospice Encounters: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hospice-encounters/id1622451693

Share An Encounter?

If you would like to share an encounter with hospice, please email me at [email protected]

Let's Connect

Marie's Contact: [email protected] www.hospiceexplained.com http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice [email protected] a Voicemail: 206-705-3080