There’s no price tag for that, right? Most people would give anything to be able to spend one more month with their mother or father.
Yet, studies have shown that patients who chose hospice lived almost a month longer than patients who did not. Still, so many people don’t know they have this choice at no cost to them.
Maybe being cared for, properly medicated, and supported emotionally and spiritually in a place where one can feel safe does really matter and can extend life. If there’s a small chance for that to happen, why not take it?
The end of life is inevitable and even uncomfortable to talk about, but patients with a fatal medical condition or an expected prognosis of six months or less don’t have the time or luxury to avoid talking about how they will spend their last months. That is if they can still make that decision for themselves.
The best way to deal with the end of life changes is in advance. It is recommended to talk about the wishes for this inevitable period a few years in advance and put everything in writing if possible.
It’s a huge relief for families to know what a loved one would want. Hospice can be provided at the loved one’s home, at a caregiver’s home, a hospital, or a freestanding hospice facility.
There are so many different options, but what matters is to find the kind of hospice workers with an open heart who can assist with the emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual aspects of dying, as well as with the practical aspects like bathing and dressing, food preparation, managing pain, instructing the family, or managing pain.
If you’re currently caring for a patient who might need hospice and are ready to have a conversation about the available options, give me a call at 951-892-1326 or send me an email.
I’d love to be of service!