The words no one wants to hear: It\u2019s time for a loved one to transition into hospice care. But often that\u2019s because there\u2019s a lack of understanding about what hospice really is.<\/p>\n
When a person is admitted into hospice care<\/a>, it means their care team has shifted its focus from trying to overcome the medical issues affecting the patient \u2013 things like cancer, heart disease, or major organ failure \u2013 to trying to make the patient as comfortable as possible as they move toward the end of their life.<\/p>\n Hospice care, however, does not mean that death is necessarily eminent. It\u2019s common for hospice patients to live longer than expected. One example is former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who recently passed away at 100 following nearly two years in a hospice program.<\/p>\n Being sent to hospice is often misunderstood, and your senior loved ones, like you, are likely to have lots of questions and concerns. They may also have end-of-life needs that they\u2019d like you to help them address. So, what\u2019s the best strategy for comforting someone on hospice, talking to them about their situation, and ensuring they have everything they need physically and emotionally?<\/p>\n When you love someone, you want to ease their worries and fix their problems. When they\u2019ve reached the stage where hospice can provide the comfort they seek, there isn\u2019t anything you can do to \u201cfix\u201d the situation. This may be a difficult transition for you to navigate, but providing them with support and comfort during their time on hospice might be the best thing you can do. Comforting someone on hospice can look like the following:<\/p>\n The best you can do, however, is to just be present. Spend time with them to take their mind off the situation. Often people are afraid to visit family members in hospice care, primarily because they don\u2019t know what to say. But don\u2019t let that be an obstacle, because you\u2019re certain to regret missing your chance to support your loved one when they needed you most.<\/p>\n \u201cHow are you doing?\u201d<\/strong> It may seem like a silly question or one that is setting you up for an embittered response. But it reminds a hospice patient that they still have life to live and what they feel or need is important to you. It\u2019s important to let them know that they still matter and make a difference in your life.<\/p>\n \u201cWould you like to do something together?\u201d<\/strong> If they\u2019re strong enough, you might make a visit to their favorite restaurant, take them for a drive to see their favorite park or their childhood home. If they\u2019re not up for outdoor activities, you could watch their favorite movie or the TV show of their choice, read a book to them, or play their favorite game with them.<\/p>\n \u201cCan I get you anything?\u201d<\/strong> It could be something as simple as a cool drink or an additional pillow, or as specific as picking up their favorite dish, helping them draft letters to other loved ones or assisting in carrying out their wishes.<\/p>\nBe a Source of Comfort<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
\n
Things to Say to Hospice Patients<\/strong><\/h2>\n