Hope is always available.
We just need to know how to look for it.
The challenge of a serious illness is to remain optimistic and realistic, both at the same time.
Of course the person you care for will have good days. And there will be bad days. But even if there is a terminal diagnosis, it does not mean the days are filled with hopelessness.
It’s about LIVING!
As you and your loved one navigate living with a serious condition, don’t forget the “living with” part! We aren’t gone until we’re gone! Every day provides an opportunity for enjoying life. Regardless of the long-term future, you can inject hope and joy into each day.
Dr. David Casarett is a palliative care physician who wrote a book called Last Acts. He works with people who have a life-limiting condition and is often asked the question, “How much longer do I have?” This book is a delightful collection of stories of the many different ways that his patients decided to spend their remaining time.
Some chose to pursue a cherished hobby, like painting, or to finish a project. Some chose to do things for others. Some focused on mending relationships. The common thread was that the activities gave them purpose. They added life to their days.
As Dr. Casarett likes to say, “From altruism to revenge,” people come up with many different and surprising ways to address the responsibility of choosing how they spend their last few months on earth.
What would add life to your loved one’s days, weeks or months? Ask! You may be surprised how easy it is to facilitate that wish.
Ask your loved one what he or she would like to do. Anything on that “bucket list” that really stands out? It doesn’t have to be big. Or challenging. Just meaningful to the person you care for.
Perhaps she wants to be sure to go to a grandchild’s wedding or see a great-grandchild graduate.
Maybe there’s a place he’s wanted to revisit. Or a rift in a relationship he’d like to mend.
Talk to the doctor
Even if it is a physical stretch, talk to the doctor about what’s feasible. It may be realistic to meet a goal if the treatments are paced in a certain way. Perhaps modifications can be made that address your loved one’s limitations.
What last goals would your loved one like to try for?
Some people mistakenly think hospice is about giving up hope. Not so!
Reaching goals
Hospice brings together a team of health professionals to help a patient achieve those realistic goals. The support of the hospice team not only improves quality of life, it actually seems to help people live longer.
Hospice is about living fully now
Hospice is about living each moment that you have to the fullest, making each day the best day it can be.
But it’s difficult to visit with family or do the things you love when you don’t feel well. Pain, fatigue, nausea, depression: They sap your loved one’s energy. The hospice team works to reduce physical, emotional, and spiritual discomfort. This way your relative has energy to engage. The hospice team also supports family caregivers!
Might you or your loved one benefit from
a nurse to manage pain and difficult symptoms
an aide to assist with bathing
a social worker for emotional and other support
a chaplain for talking through spiritual concerns
a volunteer to periodically visit with your loved one, offering family members a few hours off
If your relative is on Medicare, these services are covered 100%. Medicare even pays for medicines for comfort and helpful equipment, such as a hospital bed.
Hospice support is available to eligible patients for up to six months.
If you would like support for hope, give us a call at 800-789-0586 (toll-free).
