Bringing up the topic of hospice care with a loved one who is terminally ill is no easy task. The thought of being at the end of life can be difficult for anyone to accept, so shutting down the discussion isn’t an unusual reaction.
In that situation, what should you do?
At Suncrest Hospice in Chicago, Illinois, we’ve seen many people get frustrated when a close relative resists the care they need. Arguing isn’t the solution, as that only increases feelings of stress and anxiety. We believe it’s better to consider the reasons why someone is saying no to hospice care, then find a way to gently address their concerns.
If you’re dealing with a loved one who is hesitant to enter hospice care, here are some tips on how to have a productive conversation.
Listen Without Judgement
Your loved one may very well know that their health is in decline, but it may be quite hard for them to give up hope of a cure and acknowledge that the end of life is near. Keep this in mind when you raise the subject of hospice care, and listen calmly, letting your loved one express their opinion.
At this point, you don’t want to put up any arguments or make any attempts to persuade them to accept hospice care. They deserve the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings, and by listening compassionately, without judgment, you can be more responsive to their needs.
Ask About Their Concerns
If your loved one hasn’t explained the reasons for their reluctance to enter hospice care, you’ll need to ask. Getting insight is essential if you want to shift their perspective, but take a gentle approach – you want them to feel safe in expressing their feelings, even knowing that you may not be in agreement.
Starting off, ask them what they think of hospice care and how that runs counter to their vision of their end-of-life journey. For many people, the resistance to enter hospice stems from fears or misconceptions, so learning about your loved one’s concerns can be quite helpful.
Share Reassuring Information
Once you understand why your loved one is resistant to hospice care, you can gradually and gently begin to provide them with additional information to address their specific concerns. Don’t be argumentative or persuasive, simply mention details and facts to help them understand how hospice can be beneficial.
For example, if your loved one is worried about the expense of hospice care, you can explain that the costs are covered by Medicare. Or if they believe that accepting hospice means moving to a facility, let them know that they can get the care they need at home. Provide answers to their concerns, and they may change their mind.
Talk to a Hospice Professional
When you feel your loved one is ready to have a deeper discussion, arrange for a face-to-face chat with a member of the Suncrest Care Team. Connecting with a hospice professional is a good way to get a clear picture of how care services benefit those with terminal illnesses.
During the meeting, bring up the concerns your loved one has about hospice care – by doing so, you’ll be showing that you support your relative and that you’re on their side. Ask plenty of questions, too, as that can go a long way toward reassuring them that entering hospice care could be the right decision.
Offer an Alternative Option
After meeting with a hospice professional, your loved one may come around to your way of thinking – but if that doesn’t happen, don’t put on the pressure. Instead, take a step back and propose the idea of accepting palliative care. This type of care improves the quality of life and be delivered along with potentially curative treatments.
No one should be pressured into accepting hospice care, and when everything is said and done, your loved one should free to choose the direction of their end-of-life journey. That may be palliative care, or they may want to pursue further treatment. You may not agree with their plans, but you need to respect their right to make their own choices.
Contact Suncrest Hospice Today
In our experience, most people who are initially reluctant about hospice care end up agreeing to it eventually. And, those who turn to Suncrest Hospice end up feeling good about the decision.
The Suncrest Care Team of skilled professionals includes nurses, physicians, therapists, social workers, bereavement professionals, spiritual care providers, aides and trained volunteers. Every member of our crew is committed to providing the highest quality of care and comfort to terminally ill patients and their families. As such, we customize our services to meet each individual’s needs. The services we provide include:
- Pain management and supplemental alternative therapies
- Psychological, emotional and spiritual support for the patient
- Medication support, medical supplies and in-home equipment
- Education for the family on how to take care of their loved one
- Short-term inpatient care in a warm and comfortable setting
- Grief support and bereavement care for surviving family and friends
If you’re having a hard time initiating the conversation about hospice or end-of-life care, Suncrest Hospice in Chicago, Illinois, is here to help in any way we can. To meet with a member of our team, or to get more information about hospice care in Chicago, contact us today.
