Talking about someone’s passing can be one of the most difficult things in life. However, we still need to open these lines of conversation so that we may know how our loved ones wish to leave this world. Remember, just because we talk about end-of-life wishes or hospice doesn’t mean that there is no longer any hope.
For some, talking about end-of-life care may actually be reassuring. It ensures that they pass the way they want to and also provides consolation to those who need to make the end-of-life decisions about their loved ones or themselves.
Even before they face a medical crisis, consider whether or not they want hospice care. Many healthcare professionals think it is best to consider this as no one ever knows what will happen.
How Do You Discuss Hospice Care With Your Loved One?
- Discuss it first with other family members and the person’s primary doctor. The first thing you must decide is who to talk to about end-of-life care. Thankfully, this can begin with anyone, but it mostly begins with family, your loved one’s primary doctor, and hospice staff. From a sudden medical crisis to a steady decline in condition, there are many situations wherein you can start talking about end-of-life care. The person themselves may no longer wish for further treatment and simply want home care assistance, or a physician could suggest it. Their condition may have significantly declined. Repeated trips to an emergency room could also be a good time to start the conversation. Any of these cases are an appropriate time to ask about end-of-life care.
- Open the topic at a private space and time. Starting the conversation may be difficult but choosing a conducive time and place to start can make things easier. When choosing a moment, pick a private time with little pressure wherein everyone can listen and pay attention to what you have to say.
- Look for the right timing. Search for a natural way to start, such as whenever they comment on their condition or mention wanting to surrender or say they are tired of trips to the hospital. One of a few easy ways to start is to mention how you do not wish them to be in pain anymore. Another way is to point to their struggles and say that a hospice could help them with it. Perhaps they are afraid of living away from home. If so, mention the idea of home care assistance or respite care. Remind them it is not giving up, as you can leave the hospice at any time to receive curative treatment.
- Expect different opinions during the conversation. Should you encounter any pushback, do not push in return. Simply wait for another time. What your other family members think and what you think may be very different, and it is important to respect their opinions and choices.
Hospice Care Provider in Atlanta
End-of-life decisions will always be difficult, but the conversation surrounding them need not be. Though it may be difficult to consider someone’s passing, it is necessary for the comfort and happiness of our loved ones. If everyone involved decides to say yes to hospice care, the next thing to do is find a trustworthy hospice to provide your loved one with the best quality of life.
Looking for the best hospice care in Atlanta? Golden Rule Hospice believes that psychological, spiritual, and social services, as well as nursing care, can contribute to an improved quality of life for patients and their families. Call us at (470) 395-6567 for inquiries.
We live by the Golden Rule
Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
