There has been a lot of attention in the news over the past several days to President Jimmy Carter’s decision to forego ‘medical interventions’ and to start receiving hospice care. The President and his family have made this difficult decision together, determining what is consistent with his goals of care and quality of life. While we cannot specifically speak to his care, the family has publicly shared that they are at peace and spending this time together. The entire hospice industry applauds the Carter family for this decision.
Let’s clarify what this means. While hospice is not aggressive, invasive curative treatment, it is a specialized field that offers expert medical care, comfort and support for those nearing the end of life and their families. Our expertise addresses pain and other symptoms such as breathlessness, nausea and anxiety that often come as the end of life draws near. We are also there to comfort and support the family throughout and for whatever additional support is needed during the grieving process.
Early intervention from clinicians who specialize in hospice care can help family members find some relief from the rigors of caregiving and allow them to focus on what matters most, including spending quality time with the patient. Hospice patients benefit from an interdisciplinary team of caregivers including a physician, nurse, social worker, chaplain, hospice aides and volunteers. This approach involves the entire team working together to ensure a cohesive, coordinated and comprehensive approach to the care of the patient and family.
Making the choice to receive hospice care is taking control over how one will spend their final months, weeks or days of life. These conversations among family members are incredibly important. We hope you will take the time to open the line of communication with your family about what care you would want.
If you need help initiating a conversation, Hospice of Northwest Ohio offers this service free of charge, to anyone in the community. Advance Care Plans are legal documents that can be created without the assistance of a lawyer. Healthcare decision conversations can be done in-person, or via phone or video chat. Set up an appointment by calling Sara Chambers BSN, RN, CHPN at 419-931-5423 or emailing acp@sinceracare.org.