HOW TO DISCUSS HOSPICE WITH YOUR DOCTOR

Discussing hospice care with your doctor is an important and often emotionally charged conversation. Hospice care is typically considered when curative measures have been ineffective and are unlikely to bring about a cure. Hospice helps those coping with serious illness manage symptoms and focus on finding as much comfort as possible for whatever time remains. Here are a few tips to approach this discussion with your doctor:

1 - Schedule the right kind of appointment:

Schedule an appointment with your doctor that allows enough time for a real conversation. Ensure you have a private and quiet space to discuss sensitive matters.

2 - Bring Someone for Support:

You may feel overwhelmed during the conversation, so having a trusted friend or family member with you can provide emotional support and help you remember the details of the discussion.

3 - Be Open and Honest:

Start the conversation by expressing your feelings and concerns honestly. You can say something like, "I've been thinking about my condition and the options available. I'd like to discuss the possibility of hospice care."

4 - Come Prepared:

Come prepared knowing as much about hospice care as you can, such as how it works, what services are provided, where it can be administered (at home, in a facility), and what to expect. Read online or contact us to learn more. Do not assume your provider is knowledgeable about hospice care, doctors are trained to be curative.

5 - Listen to Your Doctor:

Your doctor will advise about hospice and how appropriate it is for your situation. Pay attention to their recommendations and explanations.

6 - Share Your Goals and Wishes:

Share your personal goals for care, whether it's to manage symptoms, be at home, or to have more quality time with loved ones. Your doctor can help align these goals with the hospice services available.

7 - Include Your Family:

If you have family members involved in your care, include them in the conversation. Discuss their concerns and preferences as well.

8 - Consider the hospice team roles:

Your hospice care team may include nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers. Consider how their roles might help your situation and voice how they might help you.

9 - Be Ready to Review Any Required Documentation:

Your doctor may make a formal referral to a hospice program. Make sure you understand the process and be ready to review any paperwork he may suggest.

10 - Understand Who Pays For Hospice:

Understand who pays for hospice care. If you are on Medicare, it’s a Medicare benefit or your insurance may pay for it.

11 - Make an Informed Decision:

After discussing everything in detail, take your time to consider your options. Discuss the decision with your family, loved ones, and other healthcare professionals if necessary.

Remember that the decision to choose hospice care is your personal choice. It should support your values and goals for care. Your doctor's role is to provide information and guidance to help you make an informed decision that best meets your needs and wishes. Learn more here or contact us to learn more.

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10 ways to honor the memory of Mom this Mother’s Day

April 28, 2025

Losing a mother is never easy, and Mother’s Day can be an emotional time. Honoring her memory in meaningful ways can bring comfort and keep her spirit alive. Here are ten thoughtful ways to honor the memory of Mom this Mother’s Day: 1. Visit Her Resting Place Spend time at her gravesite or memorial, bringing fresh flowers, her favorite items, or just sitting and reflecting on her love and legacy. 2. Cook Her Favorite Meal Prepare a dish she loved or a recipe she passed down. Sharing a meal in her honor can be a comforting way to feel close to her. 3. Write Her a Letter Express how much you miss her, update her on your life, or share a special memory. Writing can be a powerful way to process emotions and keep her close. 4. Light a Candle in Her Memory Lighting a candle in her honor can be a quiet, reflective way to feel her presence and express your love. 5. Look Through Old Photos & Videos Take time to revisit cherished moments by flipping through photo albums or watching home videos . It’s a beautiful way to celebrate her life and legacy. 6. Do Something She Loved Whether it’s gardening, painting, reading, or taking a walk in nature, engaging in her favorite activities can be a meaningful tribute. 7. Make a Donation in Her Name Give to a charity or cause she cared about . It’s a wonderful way to extend her kindness and make a difference in her honor. 8. Create a Memory Book or Scrapbook Compile photos, letters, and stories into a scrapbook or digital memory book that keeps her spirit alive for future generations. 9. Plant a Tree or Flowers in Her Honor Planting something in her memory can be a lasting tribute, symbolizing growth, love, and the continuation of her legacy. 10. Spend Time with Family & Share Stories Gather with loved ones to reminisce, share stories, and celebrate the love she gave. Keeping her memory alive through storytelling can be healing and uplifting. No matter how you choose to honor your mom, the most important thing is to celebrate the love and impact she had on your life. We hope these 10 ways to honor the memory of Mom this Mother’s Day helps readers celebrate this Mother’s Day. Also read here about surviving the first Mother’s Day without Mom .

12 Important Things To Understand About Hospice

February 27, 2025

Our expert care enriches life by controlling symptoms and managing pain, while also caring for the mind and spirit. Hospice often becomes a choice when you or a loved one is seeking relief from frequent emergency room visits or are physically or emotionally tired of challenging treatments that no longer have a positive impact on life expectancy or quality of life. Serious illness affects more than just a loved one. So, our support extends to family caregivers . We become an extra layer of support by sharing our experience and resources to ensure that you and your loved ones feel prepared by knowing what to expect as illness progresses. We also help you feel less overwhelmed by sharing in some of the responsibilities of the day-to-day care of your loved one. We also understand the worry that comes with serious illness. When a loved one is living with a serious illness, a price can’t be put on peace of mind. Here 12 things that are important to understand about hospice. 1 - Hospice is a philosophy of care that treats a person rather than the disease. Hospice is a complete and cohesive program of medical care and emotional/spiritual support to improve the quality of life for patients facing a life-limiting illness. 2 - When treatment is no longer effective or desired, hospice care can be provided for pain relief and symptom control , along with emotional and spiritual support for patients and loved ones. 3 - Hospice care takes a holistic approach focusing on both physical and emotional health. 4 - In most cases, a family member serves as the primary caregiver and helps make decisions for their loved one. 5 - The caregiver works with our team to develop a plan of care to provide treatment, support, and personal care. 6 - Your physician remains in charge of the overall medical care, we become a part of his team. 7 - Hospice isn’t giving up. It’s finding comfort and dignity after you’ve been told nothing more can be done. 8 - You are free to leave a hospice program at any time for any reason without penalty. You can re-enroll in a hospice program any time that you meet the medical eligibility criteria. 9 - Medications and medical interventions are used regularly to control pain and symptoms. 10 - Hospice patients live an average of 29 days longer than those that do not receive hospice care. 11 - Hospice care is provided anywhere your loved one lives, including private residences, assisted living communities, and long-term care facilities. 12 - Our care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance companies. We understand that choosing to stop curative treatments and begin care and comfort services can be overwhelming. If you have questions like ' is now the right time’ or if you wonder ‘when will the right time be”, you can call and speak to one of our clinical directors. An Ascend nurse or social worker can meet with you and your family members and provide information on all of the services available to you. Once you are ready your physician, our team of nurses, our medical director, and our chaplains, social workers, and aides will be with you and your family on every part of your journey ensuring that your care and comfort are our first priority.