Self-care for caregivers

Hospice

Caregiving can be difficult, both physically and mentally. As a caregiver, it is important to look after your own health and wellbeing while caring for your loved one. There are many ways to practice self-care and seek support as you cope with grief.

Financial help for caregivers

Hospice

Caregiving often comes with financial pressures. Many caregivers cannot afford to give up their paycheck or risk losing their job if they take extended time off for caregiving. Several national studies show that the cost of being a caregiver is high because it can involve additional out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, and unpaid work. These options…

Advance care planning

Hospice

With advance care planning, you can ensure that your end-of-life preferences for medical care are honored, even if you are unable to communicate them yourself. Thinking about your wishes for end-of life care may not be easy, but it is important for you, your loved ones, and the healthcare professionals who care for you. Making…

Sun setting in the clouds

When death is near: Signs and symptoms

Hospice

Everyone’s life is different. Death is an individual experience, too.  For some people, the dying process may last weeks. For others, it may last a few days or hours. A dying person’s experience may be influenced by their illness or medications, but certain signs and symptoms are common. Patients who begin hospice care earlier in…

Person writing on legal paper

Preparing for imminent death

Hospice

Making plans for the end of a loved one’s life can feel uncomfortable, especially in the wake of a terminal diagnosis. But some practical planning is beneficial, and “putting one’s affairs in order” can be reassuring to the patient and their family. Practical matters End-of-life planning is most effective when the patient is engaged in…

Wishy plant blowing in the wind

When death happens at home

Hospice

When a patient receiving hospice care dies at home, family and caregivers should not call 911 or emergency services.  If you believe your loved one has died, call your hospice provider at the 24-hour call center number. A team member will come to confirm the death and assist with final arrangements. Final arrangements The hospice…

Volunteering for hospice

Hospice

Volunteers are an integral part of the hospice team, filling roles that range from direct contact with patients to providing clerical and fundraising support for the organization. Hospices that participate with Medicare are required to use volunteers alongside their paid clinical and administrative staff.

How to file a hospice complaint

Hospice

Options are available for patients and families who are dissatisfied with the quality of their hospice care. Please note that HFA does not have the authority to monitor or regulate hospice providers and is unable to assist with individual hospice care complaints.

The Difference Between Hospice Care and Palliative Care

Hospice

Palliative care defined In broad terms, palliative care is any treatment or intervention intended to control pain or other distressing symptoms. In the context of hospice, palliative care focuses on quality of life rather than curing disease. All hospice care is palliative in that the focus is on controlling distressing symptoms, but not all palliative…

Grief is not predictable

Members only

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…

Members only.

Grief and other types of loss

Grief

Typically, grief is associated with a person’s death, but it can be caused by other losses, too. People also experience grief due to the death of an animal companion, or non-death loss, such as the loss of a valued relationship, possession, ability, or activity. Grief can also be experienced as a result of impending or mounting loss, also known as “anticipatory grief.”