Thinking about hospice care can feel overwhelming. When your loved one is considering hospice or making the transition, there is a lot of information to take in at once. We know how difficult it can be to process everything at once, especially during an emotional time. That’s why asking questions can make all the difference. By asking questions and talking openly with your hospice team, you’ll gain clarity on the care process and reassurance that your loved one’s needs are being met.

In this blog, we’re diving into four questions you should ask your loved one’s care team to help get the conversation started. 

What services are included in hospice care?

Your loved one’s hospice program provides services tailored to their unique needs based on their life-limiting illness. The goal is to keep your loved one as comfortable as possible. In most cases, hospice includes pain and symptom management along with ongoing monitoring from the hospice care team. 

Hospice can also assist with daily personal care, medications, and medical equipment, as well as emotional and spiritual support for both patients and their families. By asking questions about the services available to your loved one, you can feel confident they’re receiving the best care possible. 

How often do nurses and other care team members visit?

How often hospice visits occur is based on your loved one’s personalized care plan. Typically, their team works closely with families to establish a schedule that aligns with current needs. If those needs change, their hospice team may be able to adjust the schedule. By asking your family member’s hospice team about visit frequency, you’ll gain clarity on how often to expect support. 

What kind of support will my family receive?

Hospice offers a range of services to support family members throughout the hospice journey. Hospice primarily focuses on education, as well as providing physical and emotional support. 

Your loved one’s team can share resources to help you better understand their condition. Additionally, most hospice providers offer bereavement support groups or can coordinate with volunteers to provide extra comfort and support. 

When you take the time to understand all of the services available to you, it can make the hospice journey easier.

How does hospice coordinate with my current doctor?

Because your loved one may already feel comfortable and have an established relationship with their doctor, that physician can work alongside the hospice physician and continue to play a role in their care. The level of involvement often depends on the situation, but your hospice team can explain how your loved one’s doctor will be included. 

Asking questions about their involvement can bring peace of mind to your loved one and reassure you that their plan of care will continue without interruption. 

Northern Illinois Hospice is here to provide compassionate end-of-life care

At Northern Illinois Hospice, we understand that every hospice journey is unique, which is why each care plan is tailored to the person’s goals and wishes. We take that information and create a team of individuals that can provide compassionate end-of-life care for your loved one. 

As the first hospice provider in the region, Northern Illinois Hospice has been helping people transition to hospice care for more than 45 years. Our care team provides compassionate end-of-life care to individuals with life-limiting illnesses.

We honor patients and their wishes by providing specialized care that treats the person, not the disease. We offer a wide range of palliative and hospice care to improve your loved one’s quality of life in their final months.

Our experienced team of healthcare professionals, social workers, and volunteers is here to ensure your loved one’s comfort and support.

Get even more support with The Reading Room

Because hospice care offers so many services and benefits to patients, families, and providers, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to navigate. That’s why we created The Reading Room.

The Reading Room is a special place where people can learn and grow in their understanding of hospice and palliative care, anytime and anywhere. It’s like having a whole library in the palm of your hand or with a click of your mouse. With dozens of articles and helpful how-to videos in both English and Spanish, The Reading Room can serve as a helpful guide. 

To learn more about our palliative or hospice services or how we can help you navigate end-of-life care for your loved ones, call us today at (815) 398-0500.