November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a thoughtful reminder to talk about something many families tend to postpone until it feels urgent: planning for hospice care.
These conversations aren’t easy, and it’s completely understandable to want to put them off. Still, setting aside time to plan ahead can bring comfort and peace of mind for everyone involved.
Taking that step early gives families a chance to explore their options, ask questions, and learn what kind of care best fits their loved one’s wishes.
It also opens the door for honest, caring discussions before decisions have to be made during a stressful or emotional moment.
Why Early Planning Helps
Talking about hospice care early can ease the burden later on. When decisions are made in the middle of a crisis, it’s tough to think clearly, and small but important details can slip by.
Planning ahead gives families time to understand their options and share what matters most to them, without the stress or urgency that often comes with last-minute decisions.
How to Create a Hospice Care Plan
Getting Started
When your loved one’s care team recommends hospice, a few steps can help make the transition smoother. It usually begins with a physician’s referral and documentation showing that your loved one has a life-limiting illness with a prognosis of about six months or less.
From there, you can start looking into hospice providers together. Each one offers different services and levels of support, so it’s worth asking about their availability, team structure, and overall approach to care.
Important Decisions to Consider
You might be involved in deciding where care will take place. Many families choose home hospice so their loved one can remain in a familiar, comfortable space, but care can also be provided in nursing homes, assisted living communities, or inpatient hospice centers.
The best setting often depends on the level of care needed and what feels most supportive for everyone. It’s also a good idea to talk about your loved one’s wishes for treatment, pain control, and comfort so their care truly reflects what they want.
Working with the Hospice Team
The hospice team is there to guide and support you throughout the process. They’ll explain what to expect, help manage medications, and teach you how to recognize changes in your loved one’s condition.
They can also assist with paperwork, insurance questions, and other details that may feel overwhelming. Having this kind of support can make things a little easier, giving you more time to focus on your loved one’s comfort.
Moving Forward with Compassion
Hospice care is rooted in comfort and understanding. Choosing hospice means prioritizing quality of life and spending meaningful time together. The goal is to help your loved one feel cared for, supported, and at peace in a setting that feels right for them.
If your family could use extra support, Home Instead offers compassionate, non-medical home care services in Lafayette, Carencro, Broussard, Youngsville, St. Martin Parish, and surrounding areas.
Our caregivers help seniors stay comfortable wherever they call home, such as their own house, a nursing home, or another care setting.
We’re also here to support family caregivers. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help your loved one.
