7 Ways Hospice Can Help

1. Autonomy of the patient will ALWAYS be honored by Individualized Care Plans.

2. The patient can change their mind about care.

3. Distressing conditions such as pain or depression, if contributing to loss of interest in food/drink of other activities, will be treated.

4. Personal beliefs, cultural norms, and quality of life are all factors in decision making with patient and family.

5. Hospice staff educates facility staff and other caregivers on patient’s end of life plans.

6. Hospice never aims to end life or hasten the end of life, and water/food is never withdrawn for this reason or against a patient’s will.

7. The patient is allowed a death that is as natural as possible and that every moment before that point is as comfortable, rich, and spiritually full.

Source:

https://www.hospicesect.org/hospice-and-palliative-care/feeding-hydration-and-hospice-care

3 Key Areas to determine Hospice Eligibility

1. Patient has a life expectancy of 6 months or less (“a six-month diagnosis”), if the illness runs its normal course.

2. Desire of patient and/or family to stop uncomfortable or ineffective treatments.

3. General Signs and changes in Symptoms in the past 3-6 months:

   • Recent decline in functional status

   • Weight loss, >10% over 6 months

   • Hospitalizations or ER visits

   • Infections (UTI, URI, sepsis)

   • Pain, nausea, vomiting, SOB, etc.

   • Increased confusion

   • Bedbound/Geri-chair/falls

   • Decreased appetite

   • Skin Breakdown - Decubitus Ulcers

If you have questions about Hospice and if it is right for you or your loved one call or text me at: 201-906-1274.

I am here to help.

*Source Hospice of New Jersey.

Having the “Talk” with Your Parents Part 1

David Solie, author of How to Say It to Seniors, notes that adult children want to solve the problem and move on. Their parents, however, want foremost to maintain a sense of control and dignity in a season marked by many losses. Your goal in how to have "the talk": Balance both sides' needs by moving forward slowly and with care.

If you are ready to have the caregiving responsibility talk, my book Key Solutions for Caregivers is a great tool to prepare for and record the conversation about medical issues and financial issues. Plus, there is information on Medicare and Medicaid.

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