Scheduling a hospice consultation is often one of the first major steps families take after learning that a loved one’s illness has reached an advanced stage. While many people feel relieved to finally have an opportunity to speak with experienced professionals, it’s equally common to feel uncertain about what to expect from the meeting or […]

Caring for a loved one who is receiving hospice services can be a deeply meaningful experience, but it can also require more energy than families initially expect. A spouse, adult child, or other family member may spend much of the day managing medications, preparing meals, helping with personal care, responding to changes in comfort, and […]

When a parent or loved one has dementia, families often spend years adapting to gradual changes. At first, the changes may involve forgotten appointments, repeated questions, or difficulty managing daily responsibilities. As the disease progresses, the person may need help with dressing, bathing, eating, walking, and communicating. Because the decline can happen slowly and differently […]

Visiting someone you love while they’re receiving hospice care can bring up a lot of emotions. You may want to offer comfort, say something meaningful, or help them feel less alone, but instead find yourself worrying that you’ll say the wrong thing. Many people feel this way because they understand how important the moment is […]

When families begin hospice care, they often hear about the different members of the hospice team. There may be physicians, social workers, chaplains, hospice aides, volunteers, and bereavement counselors involved throughout the journey. While each person plays an important role, the hospice nurse often becomes the professional that families interact with the most. For many […]

One of the biggest misconceptions about hospice care is that once someone begins receiving services, there is no turning back. Families often assume hospice is a permanent decision that continues until the end of life. While that is true for many patients, it is not always the case. Hospice care is based on a person’s […]