If only they knew what hospice could do

I recently learned of a friend of a friend, whose mother was dying. The mother had shared her own end-of-life wishes with her family before her health began to decline. But when the time came to begin making arrangements, the family still had no idea how to actually carry out those wishes, and no idea how to pay for them. The stress of dealing with the practical and financial details only added to their overwhelming grief as the loss of their loved one grew near.

Sadly, they didn’t know they could call on hospice for help. Since the mother had not been referred for hospice care, it never occurred to them that hospice could still be a valuable partner to them in finding affordable funeral services, financing options and managing the countless other details they hadn’t expected.

Hospice is much more than the care provided to persons who are dying. It’s an interactive, comprehensive array of resources that support individuals and families dealing with all the grief-inducing challenges that accompany major life changes. That support can include financial planning, estate planning, review of funeral service options and costs, assistance with finalizing the loved one’s personal accounts, and much more. Or it can simply be a reassuring voice when you feel overwhelmed.

Choosing a hospice during any life planning process is a way to minimize stress and anxiety when faced with inevitable moments of trauma and loss. Making the choice costs nothing, and provides you and your family with the assurance of a ready resource when the time comes. Hospice can even offer support during major life transitions, such as a military deployment, divorce, separation, loss of job, or recovery from a serious accident – any of which can have a traumatic effect on both adults and children.

A reputable hospice will welcome your phone call, email or visit, and will gladly answer each and every question you ask. Consider asking the following:

— When should we consider hospice as an option for me or a family member?

— What kinds of grief support services do you provide?

— How can your hospice help me stay within my financial constraints?

— Can I keep my own physicians and have you work with them?

— How do I communicate with hospice staff after hours, and when can I expect a return call or visit (ie: turnaround time)?

— What if I want to travel?

— What happens if I decide to leave hospice?

Studies have shown that early involvement of hospice reduces stress. And patients who get into a hospice program early tend to live longer because their symptoms are managed carefully, and overall quality of life improves. Some even do well enough that they can graduate from the hospice program. Early hospice care can also reduce overall health care costs.

You have a choice. Talk with your family about choosing a hospice now, even if the potential need is years away.

Amy Wieland is the executive director of Hospice of Northwest Michigan. Email her at a.wieland@nwhealth.org.