Hospice: What to Expect During Your First Week

Hospice doesn’t mean you’ve given up, contrary to popular belief. Deciding to accept Hospice services is never an easy one, not for the person receiving services, or the families and loved ones of those around them. Accepting their services in fact helps with symptom management and provides you additional resources to help stabilize some medical concerns and address additional needs.

As you begin on hospice you will meet a team of people that will be involved in your care, both on a medical and personal level. There will be the initial person who will explain to you all of the benefits of Hospice and how they can help you and you loved ones during his time. Then, you will meet your admission nurse. This is when they will review your complaints, concerns and other questions regarding your medical care. Do you have to keep taking all of your current medications? Are there any additional medication therapies you can try to help ease some of your symptoms? Do you have any skin concerns or need additional assistance with things such as showering, or toileting needs? They are there to care for you as a hole, not just your diagnosis. Your needs are reevaluated on a weekly basis with you and your loved ones and your hospice team. Your care is at the center of these meetings and ensuring your needs are met as changes occur is their top priority.

Following your medical questions, concerns and evaluation, you will typically meet additional support staff, this can include a chaplain, a massage therapist, a music therapist, a personal companion or aide, a and social worker, just to name a few. This may sound overwhelming but they are all part of the team of people dedicated to making sure your needs are met on so many levels.

Your dignity is of utmost importance, it goes hand-in-hand with respect, and they will advocate for your dignity, regardless of your ability to communicate. You are welcoming them into your home, no matter where you reside, and they should always respect your privacy.

Another concern you may have when deciding to accept hospice services is the cost. Thankfully, there is no cost associated with hospice or any of their services provided. Hospice is fully funded by Medicare which helps relieve the burden of your care for you and your loved ones. This includes their medications, equipment you may need such as a hospital bed, wheelchair, or walker, and personal items such as briefs, and incontinent pads.

In addition to the support you will be receiving, there is support and resources for those around you too. They have people there to help them cope with the changes that are occurring, and they will continue to be there, even after you no longer need hospice. Hospice is there for the comfort, emotional support and dignity of the person on hospice and their loved ones. Remember, you are in control of your story, and how it gets written is up to you.