Fear of pain is the #1 reason people name why they’re afraid of dying. This is where hospice care comes into play. The sooner you contact local hospice agencies and learn about the services, the sooner patients and families have access to an incredible array of support tools, including pain management and comfort care.

Hospice Supports Patients & Families With Pain Management

We can’t specify enough that early is better with bringing hospice support on board. In a perfect world, patients would contact hospice immediately after receiving a terminal diagnosis. However, this is the best time to receive the information offered and to learn that patients who enlist hospice care long before death enjoy the highest quality of life and reduced pain and discomfort.  Finding a hospice agency you trust that comes highly recommended by clients and that you feel comfortable with is essential to this process. Here are some of the ways hospice care supports healthy, balanced pain management and patient support to optimize comfort care for our clients.

Emotional and mental support eases pain

Studies have shown that people who experience high levels of anxiety, worry, and fear also have higher pain levels. When in the presence of these shadow emotions, inflammation increases, immune function decreases, sleep disorders are more common, and the body tenses up.  The full spectrum of hospice support offered to our clients and their families provides stress release, allowing patients to relax and rest more often. That naturally reduces pain levels.

Thoughtful, appropriate, and balanced use of pain medications

Dying is not painful. Nobody feels physical pain because they’re dying. Instead, those who are dying experience pain related to the disease or condition causing their death. The pain associated with your disease, condition, syndrome, or the physical discomfort of being bedridden can almost always be managed with thoughtful and balanced use of pain medications. We recommend watching this short video clip from the world-respected hospice guru, Barbara Karnes R.N., briefly explaining how hospice respects and honors balanced pain and narcotic pain relief. Pain medication should NEVER be used to completely sedate a patient or incapacitate them. The goal is to relieve pain and increase comfort while allowing the mind to be as alert as possible. Death is a natural process, not a medical process, and those who are dying deserve the clarity required to work through their thoughts and emotions so they can go with greater ease, trust, and peace.

Occasional use of anti-anxiety medication

In some cases, the family’s hospice box includes some type of anti-anxiety medication. We try to relieve anxiety without the use of medications whenever possible. If a client was on anti-anxiety or anti-depressants before they went on hospice, we continue that support along with any other hospice-related tools, equipment, or other support aids necessary. However, we may recommend the use of anti-anxiety medications if we notice common signs of heightened agitation with yet-to-be-discovered causes. This may show up in patients picking at bedsheets or their clothing, repeating physical motions, restless body language, moaning, etc. As with any pain medication, we use the smallest dose possible that provides relief. 

Emotional and spiritual support

We mentioned above that stress, anxiety, fear, and other “shadow” emotions have a direct correlation to physical pain. This is just as true for someone who faces the end of life. So often, our clients are working through deeply emotional experiences, traumas, regrets, grief, etc., Without proper support and resolution, those worries and concerns may manifest as misunderstood physical pain. Conversations about end-of-life thoughts, feelings, and emotions are essential to support a loved one where they’re at. However, there is a point where pretending the miracle is on the horizon or that they aren’t actually dying does far more harm than good. Your hospice team facilitates these conversations as desired, and we’re here to provide a wide range of FREE tools and support options, including:

• Information and education about any and all aspects of the dying process and what comes next
• Spiritual support by our non-denominational chaplains
• Emotional and mental support via licensed therapists
• Unlimited access to hospice nurse hotlines, 24/7
• Respite care for primary caregivers and other volunteer services are offered by compassionate community members who are honored to listen to stories, fears, and concerns without judgment or fear.
• Grief support for the client and their family members

Feeling supported provides invaluable comfort to clients, partners, and family members.

Ensuring end-of-life wishes are in order

Everyone knows they should complete advanced medical directives and end-of-life plans, but few do it before they absolutely have to. The desire to get your affairs in order is heightened when facing an end-of-life diagnosis – beyond practical wills, trusts, or funeral plans. However, the demands of medical appointments, increasing care needs, and any fear or anxiety can make it harder to think about and finalize the “practical” aspects of end-of-life care. Your hospice team can sit with you and work through end-of-life planning, doing all we can to provide you with the best quality of life while you’re still alive and to see your wishes carried out once you’ve died.

Say No To Pain And Yes to Comfort

Hospice of the Golden Isles is dedicated to helping our clients say no to pain and yes to comfort in all realms of their life. You deserve to spend your remaining days making the most of your time, surrounded by the people, pets, and things you love most. Contact us to learn more about how palliative and hospice care are uniquely designed to provide sound pain management and comfort care.

There are many reasons people are resistant to hospice care, but reasons typically fall into one of three categories: fear of death/dying, difficulty accepting treatments are not working, or misunderstandings about what hospice is or what we do.

Common Reasons One Resists Hospice And How To Support Them

As hospice care providers, our primary goal is to serve the client. Serving the family and close loved ones is a very close second. However, we can’t do our job without a client’s willingness to explore our services and take advantage of the benefits we offer.  That is unfortunate because in almost all cases, the thoughts, “we need extra help,” “should we think about hospice (or palliative care),” or “I don’t want to live like this anymore,” are all signs that it’s time for hospice care. That said, your helpful brochures, pressing information/research, or pleas may fall on deaf ears if your spouse, partner, or family member is resistant to hospice.  In that case, it’s important to remain compassionate, patient, and curious about WHY they resist. Here are some of the most common reasons people resist hospice and how you may be able to support their shift into considering it.

They equate hospice with dying or giving up

This is one of the biggest reasons individuals or their spouses/partners are resistant to hospice. Hospice does not mean you are giving up or that death is imminent (although the longer you wait, the more likely the latter will become true).  In fact, hospice means you have a terminal or chronic illness/condition with a prognosis of six months or less if the disease runs its course or the client experiences disease complications. That said, quality of life often improves so much that many clients have hospice for many months or even upwards of a year or more after ceasing curative treatments. Flip the script: Acknowledging and preparing for the end-of-life is essential for every adult, especially those with chronic or terminal conditions. Learning all you can about end-of-life care options, including palliative and hospice services, is empowering and helps clients and families make the right decisions to improve their quality of life sooner rather than later.  Hiding your head in the sand means missing out on making the most of the time you have left. If someone fears death or struggles to speak about end-of-life, hospice social workers, counselors, and chaplains are available anytime to work through these conversations with open and empathetic awareness.

They are afraid to admit treatments aren’t working OR treatments are making life worse and not better

There are only so many treatments or medical procedures can do to heal, provide relief, or make things better. In many cases, a chronic condition overcomes a treatment’s ability to heal or help. At that point, the treatment or rigor of the appointments necessary to provide treatment becomes exhausting and debilitating. This wall can be crippling for some patients, but their unwillingness to accept the beginning of the last chapter of their life means they refuse any palliative care or hospice services. Shift the focus: Instead of forcing acceptance about end-of-life issues, talk about taking a much-needed break to regroup, reassess, and make decisions that align with their values and perceptions of quality of life. Hospice can come on board to provide the support necessary during that reprieve and wise counsel – and patients can go back off hospice to resume treatments – or pursue new treatments – whenever they choose.

Resists hospice because they’ve fallen prey to hospice myths

 Hospice myths abound. Some of the most common hospice myths that make people resistant to hospice are:

• We can’t afford it. In fact, hospice is 100% free to all qualifying patients, regardless of age or economic status. It is paid for by Medicare, although private insurance benefits may also cover hospice services. We’ll help you do everything required to bring hospice to your home, hospital/assisted living facility, or our hospice house.
• It’s only for people on Medicare. Similarly, many believe they have to be on Medicare to get hospice care. However, Medicare pays for hospice services for anyone who is a legal U.S. citizen or resident, whether they’re currently on Medicare or not. Once you qualify for hospice service, which occurs during an assessment by a hospice physician and intake team, you qualify for Medicare’s hospice coverage.
• I’m not close enough to dying yet. The longer qualifying clients are on hospice the better. Studies show that while most people wait too late to contact hospice (in the last week or days of life), clients’ quality of life and their life expectancy improves drastically by enlisting hospice care sooner rather than later. Our services provide tremendous relief and peace of mind, which makes the day-to-day more comfortable, stress-free, and meaningful for clients and loved ones.

Other common hospice myths that keep people from contacting hospice when they should are:

• Hospice means giving up any hope of future treatments
• You only call hospice when a person is actively dying
• Choosing hospice means giving up control
• I’ll have to leave my home or hospital/facility to get hospice
• I’m not ready to sign a DNR, and I heard you have to for hospice

Choose to be informed: The best thing you can do to help someone see outside of these common myths or hospice resisting narratives is to get them accurate information. Hospice and palliative care agencies are happy to meet with you at any time to discuss their services and how they can support you. Personalized care is our highest priority. And, as mentioned above, the client is always in control.

Having A Hard Time Opening The Conversation Around Hospice?

If you’re having a hard time opening the conversation around hospice care or end-of-life care, we’re here to help in any way we can. The staff at Hospice of the Golden Isles is passionate about educating the public and making sure they understand the numerous and invaluable benefits of choosing hospice care as soon as you possibly can. Contact us to learn more, at 912-265-4735, or to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a patient refuse hospice care?

Yes, patients have the right to refuse hospice care. In English-speaking countries, patients are given the autonomy to make decisions regarding their healthcare, including whether or not to accept hospice care. However, it is important for patients to discuss their concerns and preferences with their healthcare provider and loved ones to ensure they understand the implications of their decision.

How long to people usually stay in hospice?

The average length of stay in hospice care varies depending on the individual’s condition and needs. In general, patients in English-speaking countries stay in hospice for an average of 17-24 days. However, some individuals may receive care for a few months, while others may require hospice support for only a few days.

Can a hospice refuse to treat a patient?

Yes, hospices have the right to deny admission to individuals for various reasons. While hospice care aims to provide comfort and support to individuals with terminal illnesses, specific criteria must be met for admission. Factors that may lead to the refusal of a patient could include non-eligibility for hospice care, such as not having a life-limiting illness or not meeting the necessary medical requirements. Additionally, if a hospice program does not have the capacity or resources to adequately cater to a patient’s needs, they may choose to decline admission. The decision to refuse a patient is typically made after careful consideration by the hospice’s professional team in order to ensure that the best possible care can be provided to those who meet the necessary criteria.

Why Do People Not Choose Hospice?

People may not choose hospice due to various reasons. Some may be unaware of the benefits it offers, while others might fear losing control of their medical decisions. Additionally, misconceptions about hospice being solely for end-of-life care or a lack of understanding about the available support services may also deter individuals from considering hospice care.

Preparing for the passing of a loved one may start the moment they receive a terminal diagnosis. In some cases, preparing for a person’s death takes place as the result of a sudden accident, unplanned accident, or as the reality sinks in that the end is near due to old age or the slow progression of a chronic condition. Whatever the case, setting the sacred tone for the passing of a loved one occurs in two parts. 

The first part is dedicated to honoring a dying loved one’s comfort, ease, and well-being to the best of your ability. The second part is the self-care you practice as you give yourself and others the time needed to feel and express emotions and to feel nourished and rested for the days, weeks, or months ahead.

If we had our way, clients would contact hospice agencies and begin learning more immediately after receiving a terminal prognosis or diagnosis. Hospice is an incredible organization. Our services are completely free of charge, covered by Medicare, and provide a well-rounded net of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual support that goes far beyond the clinical care realm.

Did you know that in addition to living longer and with a higher quality of life, hospice services also extend to your family? We take a whole-family approach to caregiving and it’s never too early to learn more about what we have to offer, so you’re ready to move forward with our services when you’re ready.

One of the biggest commonalities between nearly all of our hospice clients, particularly those that are 70 years old or younger, is the shock that they have an end of life prognosis. While we all know we’re going to die someday, most of us think of that someday as far into the future. This means our culture isn’t preparing for the end of life the way it should be.

It’s never too early to begin your end of life plan. Doing so eases the way for yourself and your family, and it helps you to live the best quality of life while you can.

End of life care is an umbrella term covering all of the ways we hope to be cared for and supported when we’re nearing and at the end of our lives. For those who are diligent about long-term-care planning, end of life care begins with completing advanced medical directives, ensuring your wishes are honored in various, unpredictable medical situations. It continues on to consider the types of treatment or support you’d prefer as age- or health-related declines make it impossible to care for themselves.

In a culture that focuses more on medical treatments than quality end of life care, this term is quickly distilled to the question of palliative care or hospice? If you’re in an immediate healthcare crisis, that’s where you should start. Otherwise, feel free to scroll down to the section “It’s Never Too Early to Begin Thinking About End of Life Care.”

Those of us who work in hospice are passionate about what we do because we witness every day how our services improve the quality of life for both patients and families. That’s right; hospice services are designed to support the entire family unit – not just the client. 

7 Ways Hospice Is For The Family And How They Benefit

If you are in the process of deciding whether you or a loved one would benefit from hospice or palliative care services, read Tips on Choosing a Hospice (or palliative) Care Provider.   Once you’ve signed up for hospice service (which is funded by Medicare, utterly free of charge, for patients of all ages), your family is immediately supported by a team of compassionate professionals dedicated to providing as much peace of mind and quality of life as possible.  Here are seven of the most important ways families benefit from hospice. 

Joining a grief support group or seeking individual grief support is a powerful way to learn more about grief, how it affects you in your daily life, and process your grief to move forward in a more balanced way. 

When you begin searching for grief support, you’ll have two available options. The first is to enlist the help of a clinical grief therapist. The other is to join a peer grief support group or one-on-one peer grief support help. This post clarifies the difference between the two, so you can determine which one feels like the best fit for you at this moment.