When I speak or counsel people about grief, I am often asked questions such as: How long do you think he will stay in the anger stage? When do you think I will finally accept my loss? Questions such as this are based on what is called a “stage model” of grief. Early on in……
When I speak or counsel people about grief, I am often asked questions such as: How long do you think he will stay in the anger stage? When do you think I will finally accept my loss? Questions such as this are based on what is called a “stage model” of grief. Early on in…
After the death of a loved one, it is not unusual to dread approaching birthdays, anniversaries, or other major celebrations that will underline the fact that your loved one is absent. Important events can often trigger our grief.My client Jean, who lost her husband to cancer, taught me a lot about facing that dread. Jean……
Hospice provides something more for patients when a cure is not an option. It is a medical care model focused on comfort. Hospice care aims to manage the patient’s symptoms while supporting their quality of life. It provides support for family caregivers, too. Understanding what hospice is — and isn’t — can help patients and…
Hospice volunteers are an integral part of the hospice team. Watch this 5-minute video to hear personal experiences of hospice volunteers at Hospice of Michigan. Are you ready to become a hospice volunteer?
Grief is a reaction to loss, and like a fingerprint, it is different for everyone. Many factors influence how you experience and express grief, including your relationship to the person who died, the circumstances of the death, and your culture and spirituality. Grief is not always about the death of someone you love. You may…
When a life limiting incurable illness no longer responds to treatment, or when treatment severely diminishes the patient’s quality of life and the patient or their proxy has elected not to pursue further treatment, it’s time to consider hospice care. Entering hospice early with weeks or months of life remaining rather than waiting until death…
Most patients enter hospice when a physician refers them for end-of-life care, often after they have been hospitalized or spent time in a nursing care facility. Alternatively, patients or their loved ones may “self-refer” by contacting a hospice provider directly to discuss the patient’s medical status and care needs. In either case, any hospice provider…
Although talking about hospice and end-of life options may feel uncomfortable, it is vital to have this important conversation with your loved ones. When you know their preferences for medical intervention and where they want to be when they die, you can ensure that their wishes are met. Discuss options early Most Americans want to…
The first week of at-home hospice care can bring a flurry of unanticipated activity. However, the pace of visits will generally slow after the first few days and begin to follow a predictable routine. Hospice care is provided by an interdisciplinary team of professionals with experience in end-of-life care. These typically include a hospice physician,…
Most hospice patients are eligible for Medicare, which covers all aspects of hospice care and services. There is no deductible for hospice services, although there may be a nominal co-payment for prescriptions and for respite care.
Patients and families who choose hospice care often receive a physician’s referral to a specific hospice provider. In some areas, this may be the only option for hospice care. In other cases, patients and families may be able to choose among multiple providers. It is not necessary to choose the hospice recommended by a physician, hospital, or nursing home.
The hospice model of care depends on caregivers — either hired professionals or family members and friends — to meet the day-to-day needs of patients. This is especially true when hospice care is provided at a private residence rather than a nursing home or other facility. Many people consider it a duty, a calling, or…
Whether you’re a patient, family member, or a friend trying to determine whether hospice is the right choice, HFA is here. We provide guidance before, during, and after the important decisions are made.
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