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Knowing your healthcare options empowers patients and caregivers to make informed decisions about available treatments when facing illness.

Some suggested questions to ask physicians when considering any treatments are:

1. What treatments are available for my illness?
2. What are the chances that a particular treatment will be effective?
3. Will this treatment prolong my life?
4. What are the risks of a particular treatment?
5. How will this treatment affect my other medical conditions and treatments?

While it may seem logical to try every available treatment, it’s important to remember that your physician is there to guide you. They can provide valuable insights into the potential benefits and risks of each treatment, helping you make the best decision for your unique situation.

6. What is our next step if this treatment does not work?

If hospice is suggested as the next step, it is helpful to know that receiving hospice early, rather than in the last few days or weeks, means a patient enjoys a longer period of stable, controlled symptoms. This allows the patient and the caregiver to focus on other parts of life, while the caregiver receives support and guidance, providing a profound sense of relief and reassurance.

In other words, if a person is eligible for hospice, there is no reason to wait to start care. Everyone deserves the best possible care from the first moment of life to the last. While many illnesses in their advanced stages cannot be reversed or cured, there is still hope to live each day as fully and comfortably as possible.

In a study conducted by The Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, it was suggested that involving family members/primary caregivers in the decision-making and preparing them for what to expect is not just beneficial, but integral to the care process. This involvement not only improves bereavement but also may offset increased mortality risks associated with caring for a terminally ill loved one, making them feel deeply valued and integral to the care process.

Also, very important, please take note that patients and families wishing to receive services from a particular hospice should be sure to communicate their choice to their physician, case manager, scheduling or referral person, etc. It is always the patient’s and family’s choice, regardless of whether you are in a nursing facility, hospital, assisted living, or private home resident. Please use your voice and demand the best. Your choice matters and you are in control.

On another note, at times, out-of-town physicians, hospitals, clinics, and specialists are not familiar with the geographical hospice locations, so patients are referred to hospice agencies not located near the patient’s home. The distance a hospice nurse must travel is crucial if the patient gets into a crisis. Again, use your voice and demand the best.

If you have any questions or concerns about hospice services, I am here to help. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or a physician, I’m available to provide information and guidance about the benefits of hospice care.

“We may not be able to change the outcome, but we can certainly change the journey.” Lisa Teel 1 VP of Operations, Aveanna Hospice

— Vickie C. Wacaster is a Patient and Hospice Advocate for Aveanna Hospice.