When Is the Best Time to Recommend Hospice to Your Loved One?

January 27, 2023 by Golden Rule Hospice

Are you worried about recommending hospice care to your loved one? We know it can be a difficult conversation to have, and so many people find themselves wondering: When is the best time to recommend hospice to your loved one?

The answer is simple: as soon as possible. The earlier you start talking about hospice care and make arrangements, the easier it will be for everyone involved. Not only will it provide peace of mind, but it can also help make the transition smoother.

What Is the Purpose of Hospice and Palliative Care?

Hospice and palliative care are designed to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those living with a life-limiting illness. This care is tailored to the individual and their family, and is provided by an interdisciplinary team of professionals, such as doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers.

This team works together to provide comprehensive care that addresses the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. The services provided by hospice care vary depending on the individual’s needs and the hospice facility, but typically include the following:

24-hour medical care and symptom management to ensure that the patient is comfortable
Pain and symptom management
Social and emotional support for the patient and their family
Spiritual and emotional counseling
Assistance with medical decision-making
Assistance with daily activities such as bathing and dressing
Bereavement counseling for family and friends
Access to medical equipment and supplies
Access to hospice volunteer services

Hospice and palliative care can be provided in a variety of settings, such as in the home, an assisted living facility, or a hospice center. The care provided is individualized and tailored to the specific needs of the patient and their family.

It’s important to note that hospice and palliative care is not just for those at the end of life, but can be provided to any individual living with a life-limiting illness. It’s a tricky topic, but one that can be navigated with knowledge and compassion.

Different Types of Hospice Care to Consider

When considering hospice care for your loved one, there are various types of care that can be provided. These include:

In-home care provides medical care and support for the patient in the comfort of their home. This type of care is often provided by nurses, social workers, and other medical professionals.
Hospice facility care is provided at a specialized facility that is designed to provide comfort and support for patients who are nearing the end of their life.
Hospice volunteer care is provided by volunteers trained to provide emotional and spiritual support for the patient and their family.
Palliative care is provided to help relieve the symptoms of a terminal illness. This type of care includes pain management, nutrition, and spiritual support.
Bereavement care is provided to help the family and friends of the patient cope with their loss. This care can include counseling, support groups, and other services.

No matter what type of hospice care is chosen, it’s essential to remember that it is designed to provide comfort and support to the patient and their family. It’s important to know that hospice care is not intended to prolong life, but rather to provide comfort and support for the patient and their family during the last stages of their life.

Conclusion

Ultimately, hospice care is about providing comfort and dignity for the patient and their family. It is an important part of the end-of-life process and is always recommended for those with a terminal diagnosis. By providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support, hospice care can help make it easier for both the patient and their family to move forward.

Get In Touch With Golden Rule Hospice Today!

At Golden Rule Hospice, we understand the challenges you’re facing, and we strive to provide the best hospice care in Atlanta for your loved one. Our hospice care team is comprised of experienced and compassionate professionals who are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for your family member. Contact us today at (470) 395-6567 learn more!

What You Need to Know About DNR Orders in Hospice Care

December 22, 2022 by Golden Rule Hospice

Hospice care is a type of healthcare focused on providing comfort and support to individuals facing a terminal illness. Hospice care is provided by a team of professionals and volunteers who specialize in providing palliative and end-of-life care. It’s not curative and is not intended to prolong life but is instead focused on providing comfort and dignity in the face of a terminal illness.

One commonly used term in hospice care is “DNR,” but what does it mean? In today’s article, let’s explore some essential things you should be familiar with. Here’s what you need to know:

What is a DNR Order?

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders are medical orders that instruct medical personnel to withhold cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or other medical interventions when a patient’s heart stops beating or they stop breathing. DNR orders are an essential tool in end-of-life care, especially in hospice care, where the focus is to provide comfort and dignity for the patient.

When a person enters hospice care, their healthcare team will talk to them about their wishes for end-of-life care. During this conversation, the healthcare team will discuss the possibility of a DNR order. This conversation is important because it allows the patient and their family to make an informed decision about their care.

A DNR order is an important part of the care plan for a patient in hospice care. It allows the patient to avoid treatments that may cause pain and distress and can help ensure that their last days are spent in as much comfort and dignity as possible. Additionally, a DNR order can help to avoid unnecessary medical interventions which may prolong the patient’s suffering and interfere with the hospice care plan.

How to Get a DNR Order

Hospice care is a type of medical care that focuses on providing comfort and support to patients who have a life-limiting illness, typically cancer, and have a life expectancy of six months or less. For these patients, the focus is on providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support rather than treating the illness.

In some cases, a patient may choose to have a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order in place, which directs medical personnel not to attempt any resuscitation attempts, such as CPR or defibrillation, if the patient’s heart or breathing stops.

A DNR order can be a difficult decision for a patient, and it is important to understand the process of getting a DNR order and the implications of such a decision. Here are some tips for getting a DNR order in hospice care:

Talk to your doctor: It is important to have an open and honest conversation about your wishes and concerns. Your doctor can provide information about the benefits and risks of a DNR order and help you make an informed decision.
Discuss with your family: Talk to your family members and close friends about your wishes regarding a DNR order. They can support and help you understand the implications of such a decision.
Consider a living will: A living will is a document that outlines your wishes regarding medical care if you cannot make decisions due to illness or injury. A living will be used to specify your preferences regarding a DNR order.
Talk to your hospice care team: Your hospice care team can provide information about the process for getting a DNR order and help you make an informed decision.
Make sure your wishes are documented: Once you have made your decision, it is important to make sure that your wishes are documented in a DNR form. You, your doctor, and a witness should sign this form.

The Bottom Line

A DNR order is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. It is important to consider the order’s implications and make sure that your wishes are documented. Talk to your doctor and hospice care team to ensure you understand the process and that your wishes are honored.

Contact Golden Rule Hospice Today Your Trusted Hospice Company in Georgia

The passing or declining health of a loved one can be challenging for everyone involved. Consider hiring professionals to provide a better and more peaceful experience to your loved ones. Golden Rule Hospice provides hospice care at home in the community of Atlanta, GA. We provide the best care to keep your loved ones comfortable and safe. To know more about our services, get in touch with us today at (470) 395-6567.

Here’s How to Support a Loved One Nearing End of Life

December 2, 2022 by Golden Rule Hospice

When a loved one faces a terminal illness, it can be difficult and emotionally charged. You may feel helpless and uncertain of what to do.

There are many things you can do to support them during this time.

Supporting a Loved One Who Is Near The End Of Life

Let Them Know That They Matter and That They Are Loved. Make sure to express your appreciation and admiration for all they’ve accomplished, and let them know how much your relationship has meant to you. Encourage other family members and friends to do the same so your loved one knows how much they’re loved and cared for.
Let Them Feel That They’re Still in Control. It’s important to let them maintain an everyday life for as long as possible, doing the things they can. Once they need help to get through each day, always ask their opinion and ensure their wishes are followed.
Don’t Make Them Talk about Their Current Condition. If they don’t want to talk about the details of their illness with you, it’s probably because they don’t want to worry or upset you. Just be there to offer support and love; they will come to you when they’re ready to talk.
Make Them Feel Heard. Listen carefully to what they’re saying and ask questions to get clarification. Help them to weigh the pros and cons of their options and to think through their fears and concerns. Let them know that you’re there for them and support whatever decision they make.
Make Their Space Clean and Comforting. Make their room feel like home by keeping the area free of clutter, hiding or disguising medical supplies, and surrounding them with their favorite things. Pictures, flowers, artwork, music, and above all, people, will help make the space feel more comforting.
Alleviate Their Fears. If your loved one is afraid, try to talk to them about their fears. See if you can do anything to help make them feel better. Sometimes just talking about what they are afraid of can help.
Ask Less, Act More. Instead of waiting to be asked for help, try to anticipate ways to be helpful to your loved one. They may not be able to identify or articulate the areas where they need help, so if you see a way you can help, just do it.
Reassure Them That It’s Okay to Go. Tell your loved one that you have taken care of everything and that their family will take care of each other. Let them know it is okay to let go when it is time. This will help them to pass away peacefully.

Hospice Care for Your Loved Ones

When a loved one is nearing the end of their life, it can be difficult to know how to best support them. One option is hospice care, designed to provide compassionate care for terminally ill patients.

Hospice care can be provided in various settings, including the patient’s home, a hospice facility, or a hospital. Hospice care teams typically include doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers, and they work to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support for the patient and their loved ones.

Contact Your Trusted Hospice Care in Atlanta Today!

When a loved one is nearing the end of their life, it can be difficult to know how to best support them. However, there are ways you can support your loved one during this difficult time. If you are unsure how to support your loved one, you can ask the hospice care team for guidance. They can provide information and resources to help you through this difficult time. Are you looking for hospice care in Atlanta? Get in touch with us at Golden Rule Hospice. We offer compassionate palliative care and social and spiritual support for our patients and their families. Contact us at (470) 395-6567 and let us know how we can help.