How To Have A Conversation About Hospice
Posted on February 17, 2022
Ask the Expert
By Islands Hospice Staff
As difficult as it is, having an honest conversation early about needs and wants is the first step. Read on for some tips for talking about end-of-life care
Are you having a hard time bringing up end-of-life care with a loved one? As difficult as it is, having an honest conversation early about needs and wants is the first step. Here are some tips for talking about end-of-life care:
- Ask the right questions - During this conversation, it is important to start by asking about individual preferences. Questions can include: At what point would you want to stop curative treatment? Where do you want to pass away? What are your concerns? What are your hopes?
- Share your thoughts and intentions - Let them know what you hope for and include the comfort and support you could provide, as well as what help you may need.
- Be informed about the options - Help ease your loved one’s worry by gently providing facts about care. For example, some believe hospice is giving up hope, but in reality, many people find peace, support and satisfaction through hospice care.
- Know that decisions take time - Big life decisions can take time, so let your loved one know that it’s ok to take time to think about the next step. Offer to contact a hospice or medical care team when they are ready to talk or explore options further with professionals.
No matter where you are in your life journey, we hope you are empowered to start difficult questions about care early. Although it’s not easy to talk about hospice or medical decisions, having the talk in advance can help to alleviate stress down the road and ensure wishes are carried out.