Many people are unfamiliar with hospice and how it works. For this reason, they may feel some nervousness when planning a visit to a hospice facility. What is it like there? Are there set visiting hours? What is allowed and what is not allowed? Today, the team of hospice nurses, social workers and therapists at Suncrest Home Health and Hospice of Phoenix gives you tips for having successful visits with patients in hospice.
What Is the Mission of Hospice?
While the mission of hospice is the same everywhere, facilities’ rules can differ. When a patient enters hospice, they have reached a stage in their illness or condition at which they no longer want to undergo lifesaving or life-extending drugs or treatments. Patients on hospice are focused on quality of life.
It is a common misconception that no drugs are used in hospice, but this is not true. The goal of hospice is to make patients comfortable, so pain relievers such as morphine are frequently used. The patients plan of care and treatment plan for focused on quality of life and symptom control, non-pharmalogical treatments are usually part of the treatment plan.
Patients make the choice to enter hospice most often because they have become exhausted from fighting their disease. Undergoing certain treatments can leave patients tired, nauseous and suffering from a number of other unpleasant side effects — all with little guarantee that their lives will be extended. While some patients fight to the end, others make the choice to enter hospice.
What Is Hospice Like?
Some hospice facilities are independent, while others are part of a hospital or nursing home. Most facilities will have private or semi-private rooms equipped with hospital beds and equipment that allows the nursing staff to monitor the patients’ condition.
The best hospice facilities are the ones that are most like home, where families are allowed to bring in items that make the patient feel more comfortable and happier.
It is important when visits a hospice patient to meet them where they are at. Some patients will be up to talking while others may be sleeping. One thing to always remember when visiting with patients is that hearing is the last sense that they lose. They will be able to hear you even if they are not responsive.
Visiting Conscious Patients
Hospice stays are limited to six months. To enter hospice, a patient must have a referral from a doctor saying that they are expected to live six months or less. Very rarely, hospice patients live longer than six months. At this time, if they are reevaluated and expected to not live another six months, they may remain in hospice.
This is to say that most patients who enter hospice are very sick, but they are not all bedridden and not everyone sleeps all the time.
If you plan to visit a hospice patient regularly, you may ask them on the first visit if there is anything they need or would like you to bring them. They may request some of their favorite foods, magazines or even an item like lipstick. Unlike hospitals, hospice facilities have few restrictions on foods — we want patients to be happy. It’s always best to check with the nursing staff before you give a patient food in case we need to watch for any drug interactions, but many foods are safe for hospice patients — even those that are traditionally considered “not good for you,” such as candy and ice cream.
Try to notice if there is something they need that they might not mention to you. If they are using several blankets, you may want to bring them a heavy sweater or a knit cap to wear inside to stay more comfortable. You may notice their slippers are looking worn, and they could use a new pair.
When you come to visit a hospice patient, you may want to bring something with you that the two of you can do together. For instance, if they love crossword puzzles or jigsaw puzzles, bring one along. They may not have the motivation or the energy to do puzzles on their own, but they may enjoy doing them with your help.
The same applies to movies or videos. Hospice patients may not enjoy watching a movie by themselves, but it may be fun to watch it with you. You might even bring popcorn!
A full-length movie may be too long for some hospice patients, so consider bringing in videos of their favorite sitcom or game show. Or bring in home movies of when the relatives were babies, or new videos you have made just for them.
Did the patient used to like to go the beauty salon before they got sick? Consider bringing in some supplies to do their hair or paint their fingernails or toenails.
Encourage relatives who live too far away to visit to send cards and pictures. Hang up a bulletin board so the patient can see the cards and pictures all the time and be reminded of how much they are loved.
Bringing Visitors
If you have a small child that may or may not be related to the patient, you may want to bring them for a visit if the facility rules allow. Children can be very uplifting to elders. While you are visiting, the child may color a picture or make something for the patient to keep to remind them of their visit.
If the rules allow and you think the patient would enjoy it, bring a dog or cat for a visit. Certainly, if it is the patient’s dog or cat, they will be thrilled to see it again. If it is yours, they may be just as pleased. Petting an animal has been shown to increase levels of dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin — all feelgood hormones.
During nice weather (which is most of the time in Phoenix), if the patient is well enough, you may want to take them for a walk outside. It’s usually best to use a wheelchair so that they do not deplete their energy. If there is a place to sit and they are willing to stay outside for a while, this can be extremely helpful. To feel the sun on their face and hear the sounds of life — birds chirping, traffic humming, children playing — can bring great pleasure to a hospice patient.
When planning your visits, remember to check to see if the facility has set visiting hours. Many hospice facilities are much more flexible with visiting hours than hospitals are, but it’s still good to be aware of any parameters.
Visiting Hospice Patients at Home
Not all hospice patients are treated in facilities — many remain at home. There, they receive care from Phoenix-are visiting hospice nurses, certified nursing assistants, therapists and others.
Most of the same advice applies when visiting hospice patients at home. However, there are some differences. If the patient is living with relatives, consider bringing a meal that’s easy to reheat, such as macaroni and cheese, soup or a casserole. The patient may or may not be able to eat it, but the caregivers will definitely appreciate it.
Be mindful of any schedule they have and be sure to call to make an appointment for your visit instead of just dropping in. It’s important to consider the needs of not just the patient, but also the family members. If you are willing, ask the family members if you can help out with respite care, sitting with the patient while they do errands or go to lunch. A favor like this can help a caregiver tremendously.
Hospice in Phoenix
We hope our advice about visiting patients in hospice in Phoenix has been helpful to you. If you want to learn more about hospice care, contact the team at Suncrest Home Health and Hospice of Phoenix today.
