When someone you love is facing a life-limiting illness, many people feel a mix of emotions — sadness, uncertainty, and even fear. The hospice journey can feel uncertain, and patients and families might not know what to expect. As you or your loved one begins hospice, it’s important to get the info and support you need. So if you’re wondering how hospice works, this article is for you. Let’s talk about the hospice process and what it means for your family.
How Does Hospice Work? Understanding the Journey
It goes without saying that no two journeys are exactly alike. But having an idea of what to expect can help ease your mind. Hospice care is all about embracing life — focusing on comfort, dignity, and making the most of a family’s time together.
What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice is a specialized type of care designed to support a patient facing a life-limiting illness — generally with a life expectancy of six months or less. During hospice, the goal is to enhance a patient’s quality of life and manage their pain and symptoms rather than providing curative treatments. We provide patients and their families with emotional, spiritual, and practical support.
The first step begins with a referral. Although a doctor must confirm that hospice is appropriate for an individual’s situation, referrals can come from sources such as:
- Nurses, hospital staff, or social workers
- Family members or friends concerned about a loved one’s well-being
- Patients themselves
Whenever the care shifts from curative treatments to prioritizing quality of life, hospice may be an option.
The Referral and Assessment Process
If you’re wondering, “How does hospice work?” taking that first step toward a referral can feel overwhelming. But you’re not alone. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
- Scheduling a Meeting
Once a referral is made, our team reaches out to schedule an initial visit — at home, in a hospital, or wherever your loved one feels most comfortable.
- Getting To Know You
We don’t just look at medical charts. We want to get to know YOU and listen to stories, hopes, fears, and wishes. When we meet with you, our team will:
- Review your loved one’s medical history and current needs
- Discuss symptoms and pain management
- Talk about your unique emotional, spiritual, and cultural needs
- Get info about your family dynamics and the support you might need
- Creating a Personalized Care Plan
How does hospice work when every person and situation is so unique? It’s important to note: There’s no such thing as cookie-cutter care. A quality hospice provider will work to ensure a patient and family’s needs are heard, understood, and respected. Our team coordinates with you to create a comprehensive care plan tailored to your loved one’s medical needs, wishes, and values. We can provide this care wherever is best for you: your home, an assisted living home, or a nursing home.
As you create a care plan with a hospice provider, have open, honest conversations as a family. What are some memories or traditions you’d like to honor during this time?
A great care team is at the heart of hospice. Each member brings expertise and compassion to ensure your loved one receives the care and support they need.
But how does hospice work, and who are the members of a care team? Depending on a patient’s needs, their team may include:
- Doctors oversee care, collaborate on symptom management, and honor personal preferences.
- Nurses provide expert medical care, manage pain and symptoms, and offer guidance day or night.
- Social workers offer counseling, resources, and help with practical matters like advance care planning.
- Spiritual care coordinators provide spiritual care and help families find peace and comfort.
- Home health aides assist with personal care needs to provide patients with the comfort and dignity they deserve.
- Volunteers spend time with patients, help with errands, or simply lend a listening ear.
And of course, a patient and their family are at the center of a hospice care team. Family care givers often notice subtle changes in a patient’s condition and can bring concerns quickly to the forefront. Together with medical and support staff, loved ones are key players on a team dedicated to providing the best possible care.
Ongoing Support, Communication, and Adjustments
Life is always changing, and so are your loved one’s needs. So how does hospice work as a patient’s condition progresses?
A personalized care plan adapts to meet needs as they change. Here are some ways that we make sure a patient’s care plan is effective:
- Regular visits and check-ins to monitor health, comfort, and emotional well-being
- Open lines of communication so patients and their families always feel informed and empowered
- Family meetings to discuss concerns, answer questions, and plan for what’s next
- Immediate adjustments to the care plan as new needs arise
As a family caregiver, don’t hesitate to share questions or concerns with your care team during visits. We’re here to support you.
Family Support and Bereavement Services
Caregiving is a tremendous act of love. But we understand: Being a family caregiver is stressful. Hospice supports patients through the journey of a life-limiting illness, but we also support families. This includes things like respite care, easing caregiving stress, and walking with families as they grieve.
As hospice providers, we can connect families with services and resources including:
- Counseling and emotional support for loved ones
- Grief and bereavement services for months after the journey concludes
- End-of-life planning, including navigating paperwork and the insurance process
No one should feel alone during the hospice process. Here at Envision Hospice, we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way.
The hospice journey can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. If you’re wondering how hospice works or if it’s right for you or your loved one, we’re here to answer your questions. Here at Envision Hospice we’re committed to helping patients and families celebrate life, find comfort, and create meaningful moments together. So how does hospice work? By making sure you’ve got the support you need. CTA: Need information about how hospice works? Reach out to Envision Hospice today. We’re here to answer your questions and provide support.