Discussing end-of-life care preferences with a loved one can be uncomfortable. Many people shy away from the topic, and it’s understandable why. But it’s important to know someone’s wishes for where and how they want to die and the amount of medical intervention they’d prefer. Knowing what your loved one wants gives you both the agency to ensure their wishes are upheld when the time comes. Being proactive and having this conversation sooner rather than later is the best way to get started.
If you are ready to speak to your loved one but aren’t sure how to approach the conversation, consider these tips provided by our team at Shiloh Hospice. We can help you and your family determine the kind of care that is best.
Knowing your loved one’s end-of-life care goals is essential to ensuring the care they receive suits their preferences and values. Without this information, it can lead to delayed hospice care and unsuccessful hospitalizations rather than months of proper hospice care that could have eased the patient’s symptoms and given them time to spend with their family.
If you need guidance or a starting point, the following questions can ensure your conversation is productive:
By specifying your loved one’s wishes, you can make informed decisions regarding their care together.
Remember to document your loved one’s care preferences since this information will likely need to be shared with family through an advance care directive. Storing this information with a healthcare system or company that specializes in end-of-life care planning can ensure it is accessible.
Making a major decision regarding one’s end-of-life care is rarely an easy conversation to have. A person’s values, priorities and health status can change over time, too, and their personal history and faith beliefs can influence what their decision is. But even if now doesn’t sound like the ideal time to have this conversation, it’s better to do so when you and your loved one can communicate properly.
If your loved one chooses hospice care, know that Shiloh Hospice will be honored to serve you through life’s most challenging moments. Contact our team to discover our full range of services.