9 Tips for Discussing Hospice Care With a Terminally Ill Parent
Talking openly and honestly with a parent diagnosed with a terminal illness can be an immensely difficult and painful experience for both the patient and the child. Discussing end-of-life decisions, such as hospice care, can bring up a variety of complex emotions that are difficult to process. Despite this, children need to have meaningful conversations with their terminally ill parents about hospice care so that they are both prepared for the end-of-life journey. Here are nine tips to make these conversations easier:
Acknowledge Your Feelings
It is understandable to feel overwhelmed when discussing such a meaningful decision with your parent. Allow yourself space to process your emotions without judgment before conversing with your parent.
For example, feelings of guilt may come with placing a parent in hospice care. You may feel like you should have done more to care for your loved one or that you couldn’t provide them with enough quality time during their last few weeks or months. It’s important to remember that no one is ever fully prepared for this situation; it’s normal to experience these complex emotions surrounding the end-of-life process.
Prepare Yourself
Take some time beforehand to research hospice care options and think about questions you may want to ask or topics you would like to discuss. Knowing more information will help make the conversation less stressful and help you communicate better.
The first step in preparing for this conversation is gathering information and educating yourself on hospice care. Research what types of services are available in your area and any financial considerations associated with them. Learn about the end-of-life process and how it differs from other forms of medical care. Knowing exactly what you’re talking about will help assuage your parents’ fears and doubts by providing facts they can trust.
Once you have all the facts necessary, consider any potential objections your parents might have to enter hospice care. Ask yourself what worries or concerns they may have, and be prepared to address them head-on during the discussion. Talk to someone who has gone through the experience already – either directly or through a support group – as this can provide valuable insight into how best to approach the subject with your parents.
Choose the Right Time
Make sure you choose an appropriate time when both have adequate energy and focus on the discussion. Try choosing a moment when there is no one else around that might distract or interfere in any way.
When ready for the conversation, choose a comfortable time for everyone involved. Make sure to give your parent space to express their feelings without judgment or interruption; listen respectfully and understand. Be aware of their body language; if they look overwhelmed or uncomfortable talking about hospice care, let them take a break until they are ready to discuss it later. It is important not to push them into making a decision but instead allow them time to make an informed choice that is right for them in their current situation.
Show Compassion
Let your parent know that you understand how hard this decision must be for them, but also remind them that they have support during this journey – whether it’s from friends, family members, or medical professionals like hospice nurses who specialize in caring for those nearing the end of life.
Allow Space for Questions
Set aside enough time during the discussion so that your parent can ask any questions about hospice care before deciding what kind of end-of-life care they would like to receive.
Showing compassion when discussing hospice care with a parent is possible by validating their feelings, honoring wishes, being aware of practical implications, providing emotional comfort and reassurance, and appreciating all the moments spent together. It is important to remember that although tough conversations sometimes occur, showing compassion can make those conversations easier for both parties while demonstrating love and respect throughout all stages of life.
Provide Comfort
Let your parent know that whatever decision they make will be respected by everyone involved in their care team. Offer comfort if needed throughout the discussion – even if it’s something as simple as holding their hand or letting them vent without offering advice or judgment.
Facing hospice care for a loved one is a difficult experience, and providing comfort to a parent in this situation can be challenging. It is important to be mindful of the emotions they are experiencing and create an environment that is safe and supportive. Here are some ways to provide comfort to a parent facing hospice care.
Providing comfort can include offering physical support. This could mean assisting with daily activities such as fixing meals, running errands, or cleaning the home. You can also offer to stay with your parent during medical appointments, or hospital stays if needed. Showing up in person and being there is often more comforting than words can express.
In addition, listen without judgment. Listening without passing judgment on what your parent tells you about their feelings, thoughts, and experiences related to hospice care is essential. Acknowledge their feelings and show empathy by repeating what you heard them say in your own words. A simple “I understand” can go a long way when offering emotional support in difficult times.
Choose Your Words Carefully
Be mindful not to use language that could make your parent feel guilty or ashamed about making decisions regarding their own life – instead, focus on how much love and respect you have for them and how proud you are of all they have accomplished in life thus far.
Understand Their Preferences
Ask your parent if there are any specific wishes they want to consider when it comes to receiving hospice care, such as staying at home versus moving into an assisted living facility or being surrounded by family members during the last days.
Create Lasting Memories
Finally, even though talking about end-of-life decisions can be emotionally draining, creating lasting memories during this time can help create joy amidst all sadness. Whether going out for ice cream together, watching old movies, or sharing stories, spend quality time with your parent so that these moments remain in your heart forever.