Husch Blackwell Healthcare & Life Sciences Industry Group’s Post

Navigating Family Dynamics During Hospice Care  In the journey of hospice care, families often face not just the emotional burden of a loved one's illness but also the challenge of internal conflicts. Understanding and navigating these conflicts is crucial for ensuring the comfort and dignity of those we care about in their final days. Our latest article dives deep into the complexities of family dynamics during hospice care, offering insights and practical advice on enhancing communication, utilizing mediation services, and ensuring the patient's needs are at the forefront of every decision. From active listening and empathy to clear and direct expression, we explore key communication skills that can transform potential conflicts into moments of unity and understanding. Moreover, we provide real-life scenarios to illustrate how these strategies can be applied, making a challenging time a little easier for everyone involved. Whether you're currently facing these challenges or wish to prepare for the future, this guide is an invaluable resource. Let's ensure our loved ones receive the care and support they need, surrounded by harmony and love. #HospiceCare #FamilyDynamics #CommunicationSkills #EndOfLifeCare #HealthcareProfessionals https://lnkd.in/dJdx8dmJ

Advance Care Planning Affects Caregivers and Care Costs According to a report by HospiceNews.com, services known as advance care planning (ACP) not only can improve caregiver satisfaction but also reduce health care costs at the end of life. Quoting Dr. Simeon Kwan, a palliative care physician, HospiceNews said families with access to ACP services often experience less distress in the final stages of a loved one’s life and spend less time and money on expensive emergency care that a patient in many cases might not want. Dr. Kwan said that when end-of-life wishes are discussed ahead of time, “then our caregivers can feel more empowered to make the right decisions their loved ones would have wanted in a less stressful manner in what can feel like a time of chaos.” This can prevent unnecessary emergency room use and hospitalizations and can even increase the median length of stays on hospice. However, a large proportion of families nationwide have not held advance care planning discussions. In one JAMA Health Forum study, only about 11% of more than 950,000 Medicare decedents who died between 2017 and 2018 had utilized such services. Dr. Delia Chiaramonte, another palliative physician, was quoted as saying it is a “horrific situation for family members” and causes emotional suffering to have to make a decision without that guidance or idea of what their loved one would want. Dr. Chiaramonte added that “Making these decisions in concert with the person takes away so much of that burden and angst. It helps a person die with dignity, maintain control, [and] can significantly reduce people’s physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering.” She insisted that understanding whether a patient wishes to have more aggressive versus less intensive care as their illness progresses is a core piece of health care quality. HospiceNews also noted the JAMA study found that ACP was associated with significantly less intensive care use at the end of life, lower rates of hospital and ICU admissions, lower rates of in-hospital deaths, and lower rates of late hospice referrals. (provided by Ken Burrows, AgeWiseColorado staff writer)

As a hospice advocate, I seize the opportunity to talk to community groups, individuals, and leaders about the hospice benefit whenever and wherever possible. Invariably, I hear stories about the "lead-up" to deciding to choose hospice for end-of-life care and all of the accompanying emotions involved. Many describe their experience as a roller coaster and the need to debrief about the events leading up to the decision to call us. It's an important ritual that must be respected. For some, it is a natural choice as they have experienced hospice care with a loved one or friend, and they see all of the benefits. For others, the referral comes as a complete shock, and we routinely hear that the family is in disbelief because no one has had a conversation with them about the seriousness of their illness or the fact that they are no longer responding to treatment. It can be a real gut punch. Many don't even know exactly why they are calling other than their healthcare provider told them to. At that point, the best we can do is to take the lead from the patient and their loved ones, actively listen, and help them navigate the maze of emotions they are confronted with. It's what we do in hospice. No two patients or families are the same, and no two care plans are the same. I'm proud of the work that the Intake Department at the hospice I lead does to meet people where they are. They listen with patience and empathy, advocate for you, and are passionate educators. They know full well that an hour-long conversation may lead to two hours or more and could involve multiple conversations with many family members or loved ones. It may involve multiple follow-ups - but they are fully invested in promoting patient choice and providing informed consent. The peace of mind that comes with making decisions before the eleventh hour is immeasurable - which is why I strongly recommend that you make your wishes known through advance care planning. You've heard it from me before - so what are you waiting for??!!! #hospice #endoflife #advancecareplanning #hospicecare #patientchoice #autonomy

Choosing the right care option is a deeply personal decision, influenced by your loved one's wishes and the family's unique dynamics. Each of these options emphasizes compassionate care, ensuring that your family member's final journey is marked by comfort, dignity, and the support of those who care. The following options can be considered to make this difficult time easier: Home-Based Palliative Care: Embrace the warmth of home during challenging times. Home-based palliative care provides a compassionate option, allowing your loved one to receive personalized care in the familiar surroundings of their own space. This choice offers a sense of comfort, surrounded by the love and support of family. Hospice Care for Comfort and Dignity: When focusing on comfort and maintaining dignity is paramount, hospice care stands as a beacon of support. This option brings together a team of professionals to manage pain, provide emotional support, and ensure your loved one's comfort in the final stages. Empathy and compassionate care are the cornerstones of hospice services. Residential Care Facilities with Palliative Services: For families seeking a supportive environment with professional care, residential care facilities offering palliative services provide a valuable option. These facilities are equipped to address both the physical and emotional needs of your loved one, creating a space where they can receive comprehensive care while surrounded by a caring community. #hospice #palliativecare #patientadvocacy #nshorepatientadvocates #endoflife

Recognizing When It’s Time for Hospice: Signs It May Be Time to Start Care Deciding when to start hospice care is a deeply personal and sometimes difficult decision. At Amedicus Hospice, we’re here to help you recognize the signs that may indicate it’s time for hospice care: • Declining Health 🩺: If your loved one experiences frequent hospital visits or significant health declines, it may be time to consider hospice care for greater comfort and support. • Increased Pain and Discomfort 💊: When managing pain becomes challenging, hospice offers specialized care that focuses on providing relief and enhancing comfort. • Need for More Support 🤝: If daily tasks become difficult, hospice care can offer the support needed to maintain dignity and quality of life. Our team is here to guide you through this transition. Learn more about recognizing when it’s time for hospice by visiting www.amedicushospice.org or contacting us at (469) 389-1028. #HospiceCare #SignsOfHospice #AmedicusHospice

We will be at the South Hadley Public Library tomorrow, Wednesday, March 6, at 6 pm for our Hospice Informational Series presenting Hospice 101! There are so many questions when it comes to hospice care, from when to consider it, to the expectations of family and caregivers. The first part of our educational series is to break down all myths and facts concerning hospice care so that you can make thoughtful decisions if ever faced with the question, “Should we consider hospice services?”

Choosing the right care option is a deeply personal decision, influenced by your loved one's wishes and the family's unique dynamics. Each of these options emphasizes compassionate care, ensuring that your family member's final journey is marked by comfort, dignity, and the support of those who care. The following options can be considered to make this difficult time easier: Home-Based Palliative Care: Embrace the warmth of home during challenging times. Home-based palliative care provides a compassionate option, allowing your loved one to receive personalized care in the familiar surroundings of their own space. This choice offers a sense of comfort, surrounded by the love and support of family. Hospice Care for Comfort and Dignity: When focusing on comfort and maintaining dignity is paramount, hospice care stands as a beacon of support. This option brings together a team of professionals to manage pain, provide emotional support, and ensure your loved one's comfort in the final stages. Empathy and compassionate care are the cornerstones of hospice services. Residential Care Facilities with Palliative Services: For families seeking a supportive environment with professional care, residential care facilities offering palliative services provide a valuable option. These facilities are equipped to address both the physical and emotional needs of your loved one, creating a space where they can receive comprehensive care while surrounded by a caring community. #hospice #palliativecare #patientadvocacy #nshorepatientadvocates #endoflife

Choosing the right care option is a deeply personal decision, influenced by your loved one's wishes and the family's unique dynamics. Each of these options emphasizes compassionate care, ensuring that your family member's final journey is marked by comfort, dignity, and the support of those who care. The following options can be considered to make this difficult time easier: Home-Based Palliative Care: Embrace the warmth of home during challenging times. Home-based palliative care provides a compassionate option, allowing your loved one to receive personalized care in the familiar surroundings of their own space. This choice offers a sense of comfort, surrounded by the love and support of family. Hospice Care for Comfort and Dignity: When focusing on comfort and maintaining dignity is paramount, hospice care stands as a beacon of support. This option brings together a team of professionals to manage pain, provide emotional support, and ensure your loved one's comfort in the final stages. Empathy and compassionate care are the cornerstones of hospice services. Residential Care Facilities with Palliative Services: For families seeking a supportive environment with professional care, residential care facilities offering palliative services provide a valuable option. These facilities are equipped to address both the physical and emotional needs of your loved one, creating a space where they can receive comprehensive care while surrounded by a caring community. #hospice #palliativecare #patientadvocacy #nshorepatientadvocates #endoflife

When it comes to selecting a hospice provider, you hold the power. Not all hospices are the same, so finding the right fit for you and your family is crucial. Take your time, interview different hospices, and seek recommendations from trusted sources. Need some guidance? Check out our latest blog post where we share 10 key questions to help you in your decision-making process. Your peace of mind matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way. #HospiceCare #HealthcareDecisions #PatientChoice #HospiceProvider #CareForLovedOnes

🌟 Elevate Your Hospice Care with Expert Consulting Services 🌟 Are you looking for the best hospice consulting services in North Hollywood? DNK Health Hospice Consulting is your trusted partner! We specialize in providing hospice consulting near me to help healthcare organizations create and maintain high-quality hospice programs. Our consulting services focus on aligning with regulatory standards and ensuring that every patient receives the compassionate care they deserve. If you're searching for the best hospice consulting near me, our experienced team is here to assist you. 📞 Contact us today at 818-235-5495 or visit dnkhealth.com for more information. What challenges have you faced when seeking hospice consulting services? We’d love to hear your experiences and insights in the comments! #BestHospiceConsulting #HospiceConsultingNearMe #HospiceConsultingService #QualityCare