Dear Olivia,
What is the benefit of choosing hospice care for my loved one? How does someone determine that it is the right time for hospice? We don’t want to give up hope. That is the hard part about making this decision.
~Not Ready to Give Up
Dear Not Ready to Give Up,
I understand how difficult and emotional it can be to make decisions about end-of-life care for a loved one. It is completely understandable to feel conflicted and unsure about what the best choice is. You want to ensure your loved one receives the best care possible while keeping hope alive. It is a challenging balancing act.
Fortunately, hospice care is designed to promote quality of life and control any symptoms that may present themselves. It is not the absence of care, but rather, it is intense care provided wherever the patient calls home. It focuses on ensuring the patient and family can enjoy their time together and have the support system they need to make that possible. Please know that you are not alone in this. Many families face similar struggles, and it’s okay to ask for help.
I recently met a former patient’s daughter at a restaurant where she was our server, and she expressed how grateful she was to have that support at the end of her father’s life journey. She said, “Taking him home from the hospital would not have been possible without hospice. We just did not know what we did not know!” That is what the hospice team can do— help you and your family with questions, fears, and concerns and help to make your goals possible while offering hope and peace that is so needed at that time.
I hope this helps you as you navigate this challenging time. You can find more resources on our website at vnatexas.org. Remember, you are doing your best, and your loved one is lucky to have such a caring and compassionate family.
~Olivia