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What to Expect and Demand from a Good Hospice Program |
According to experienced family caregivers, the staff of a good hospice should:
- Be available whenever a family member calls with a question.
- Provide clear information about what it will require to take care of the patient at home.
- Provide adequate training to enable family members to care for the patient
- Tell the family the number and frequency of visits the hospice staff will make.
- Be able to respond promptly if the family caregiver calls to report an urgent issue.
- Explain how pain and other symptoms will be managed.
- Make sure appropriate medications are available and instruct the family caregiver in their use.
- Provide appropriate
- medical equipment and adequate supplies for use in the home.
- Always treat the patient and family members with respect, dignity and compassion.
- Include the patient and family in decisions regarding care whenever possible.
- Ask about the patient’s special wishes and advocate for the patient whenever possible.
- Ask about the patient’s choices regarding spiritual support and provide support as needed.
- Make all arrangements for the patient to go to a facility for a short stay if respite for the family caregiver is needed.
- Provide enough information so that family caregivers know what to expect when the patient dies and to feel confident they are prepared for the death.
- Instruct caregivers in what should be done immediately after the death.
- Provide emotional support to help prepare family members for the death.
- Assure that family members are well-supported at the time of the patient’s death.
- Remove medical equipment and unused supplies from the patient’s home promptly after death occurs.
- Provide bereavement support for a minimum of one year following the death.
- Provide a convenient location, comfortable accommodations, and suitable visiting hours for families if an inpatient facility is used.
Lighthouse Hospice routinely provides these and other services. For further information or help with questions, please contact Lighthouse Hospice at 1-888-HOSPICE or,
www.lighthousehospice.net.
