Talking about the possibility of hospice care can be hard. Talking to family members about hospice care for a parent can pose its own unique challenges. You may be wondering, “How can I bring up the topic of hospice to my family? How can we agree on the best possible care plan for our loved one?” If you are, you’re not alone. Here at Envision Hospice, we’ve seen firsthand how difficult it is to find the right hospice conversation starters. We’re here to ease the burden of addressing this topic and help you open up an honest and compassionate dialogue with your family. Wherever the conversation leads, we are here to help.
What makes conversations about hospice care hard?
Each family has its own unique dynamic when discussing hospice care. Discussions may vary depending on who is being considered for care. When trying to find the right hospice conversation starters for your family, here are some elements to keep in mind that commonly cause challenges in these conversations:
- If hospice care is being considered for a spouse, the children will most likely want to be involved in the conversation and decision-making as well.
- When family members live in different areas, it’s often difficult to coordinate phone conversations or have group discussions.
- Every family member’s opinion regarding hospice care can vary widely. Handling different opinions and suggestions during an emotionally challenging time can be very difficult.
- Family dynamics play a part in decision-making and conversations. Strained family relationships may make it challenging to discuss care options for a loved one. Past conflicts can easily lead to family members not being on speaking terms.
Because of these factors and more, finding the right hospice conversation starters may be difficult, but it’s not impossible. With a good support network, you and your family can have compassionate, productive, and emotionally healing conversations about your loved one’s end-of-life care.
How do I start this conversation with my family?
You want the best care possible for your loved one. Considering all of the options can seem daunting. We understand and are here to help you begin the conversation by providing some hospice conversation starters. Only you and your family can make the best decision for your loved one. Here are some suggestions to start a dialogue with your family.
- Present all of the benefits of hospice care for your family member. Hospice care provides tailored comfort, personal relationship, and reliable medical care to put you and your loved one at ease. Hospice care ensures that their needs are taken care of, leaving you the time and freedom to make more precious memories.
- Discuss all of the options available for your family member. These options may include home care, hospital care, or hospice care. With all of the options on the table, discuss the advantages of hospice care, including more comfortable end-of-life care and the likelihood of extended life. It is a myth that people have shorter lives while in hospice care!
- The goal of your family meeting is not to get everyone to agree, but to agree to listen. Listening, sharing, and considering others perspectives are the only ways to make the best decision for your loved one.
To make communication easier for families and for hospice care providers, it’s important for families to have a go-to person. This person is responsible for answering the family’s questions, providing updates, and acting as a bridge that connects the family and care providers. If you’re reading this blog post and are considering hospice care for a family member, you may know of a good family member to fill this role. Or, it may be you!
It’s so valuable to have this conversation with your family, and you don’t have to face it alone. Our compassionate team at Envision Hospice is here to support you.
How can Envision Hospice help my family make this decision?
We want to make sure that you are equipped with the tools you need to make the best decision for your family member. Envision Hospice offers a unique option to help put your mind at ease when considering us. If you or a family member aren’t sure that hospice care is the best option, try it out for 10 days with absolutely no strings attached.
Many of the families we serve are surprised by the quality care and support they and their loved one receive from our staff, even within the first 10 days. What’s more, if you place your family member in hospice care and decide it’s not the right fit for them, they will be released from care with no financial penalty. Seeing hospice care in action may relieve the burden of this important decision for you and your family. If you are considering this option and would like to start a conversation with a caring, understanding staff member, please feel free to contact us here anytime.