The Hospice Conversation - Talking with Your Family

Here are tips from Samaritan's hospice professionals on how to have the difficult conversation about pursuing hospice care with your loved one:

Gently Introduce the Topic with Open-Ended Questions

• Who do you want to make decisions about your care if you are not able to speak for yourself?
• What types of medical treatments do you wish to receive or not wish to receive?
• How comfortable do you wish to be?
• How do you wish to be treated? What special things, activities, etc. are important to you?
• What would you want to communicate to your loved ones if you were no longer able to communicate?

Listen Carefully Using Both Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

• Verbal Communication
  - Use easy- to-understand words.
  - Speak in an honest and sincere tone
  
• Nonverbal Communication
  - Sit in a comfortable chair and non-distracting surroundings.
  - Make eye contact.

Consider Your Family Dynamics

• Who else needs to be included/informed?
• What advance communications need to happen to minimize stress?

Do Your Homework and Communicate Your Findings

• Analyze your financial issues and explore possible tax breaks, etc.
• Look into availability of transitional, home care, hospice services, respite care or long-term care options.
• Apply for and become familiar with special benefit entitlements (e.g. Medicare, Medicaid, veterans' benefits, etc.).

Make a record of your planning

• Don't trust your memory. Write it down!
• Keep it in a safe place.

If you have questions about whether Samaritan can provide assistance to you and your family, we encourage you to call 1-800-229-8183 or email us at any point during an illness.