It is difficult to discuss the end of life, especially with someone close to you who is reaching the point where they will soon require end-of-life care. Nevertheless, this is an important conversation that needs to be had. You can only respect your loved one’s wishes if you know them.

Below, we go over some key questions to ask that can help you understand what your loved one prefers during the end-of-life stage.

• If you were to receive a terminal diagnosis with no cure, what treatments would you want to pursue? Which would you want to avoid?

• What environment do you want to be in during the end of life? Where would you prefer to die?

• Who do you want to be able to make medical decisions for you, especially if or when you are unable to speak for yourself? Have you taken the legal steps necessary to grant that person medical power of attorney?

• Which people do you want to be with you during your final days or hours?

• Would you prefer to be pain-free and less awake, or more awake, but in more pain?

• Do you want to receive CPR if you need it, with the knowledge that CPR can break bones and result in additional complications for your health?

• What value do you place upon your autonomy? How important is it for you to be able to live independently and make your own decisions?

• What are your wishes for what happens to your remains? Would you prefer them to be cremated, buried, or donated?

• Do you want a memorial service of some kind performed? If so, what would you like it to be like?

Knowing what questions to ask is the easiest part of this process. Harder is finding a way to broach the topic with your loved one.

Some people will be willing to discuss their end-of-life wishes directly with family or friends. But others may shy away from the topic.

For the latter, if possible, see if you can connect them with resources they may be more comfortable using, like healthcare workers or volunteers who can help them prepare their legal documents, and/or worksheets that can walk them through their end-of-life preferences and how to share them.

Sometimes a loved one may never be willing to do end-of-life planning. In those cases, pay attention and try to pick up on as much of their wishes as you can.

We Can Ensure Your Loved One’s Wishes are Respected

Journey Palliative and Hospice prioritizes patient autonomy and dignity. Our staff work hard to respect and honor your loved one’s end-of-life preferences, including in scenarios where they can no longer speak for themselves. We work closely with the primary caregiver every step of the way.

To learn more about how we can help, please give us a call at (818) 748-3427 to schedule your consultation with Journey.

Many of our patients at Journey Palliative and Hospice are veterans. In fact, we provide specialized care to veterans through knowledgeable and compassionate care for conditions contracted during service, both physical and psychological. Here are some of the services we provide to veterans during the end-of-life period.

• In-home care: The bulk of hospice care takes place at the patient’s home, allowing veterans to stay where they feel safest and most comfortable. In-home care includes the delivery of Durable Medical Equipment, supplies and medications. A cross-functional team that features a doctor, home health aid, nurses and a range of specialists will visit the patient’s home on a schedule according to a personalized care plan.
• Inpatient care: Sometimes there is a need for more intensive care than can be administered by the hospice team at home. When that happens, we provide inpatient care until the patient can be stabilized and returned home.
• Physical therapy: Veterans who have sustained injuries during service may suffer from pain or decreased range of motion or strength. Our physical therapy experts work to help restore strength and flexibility while alleviating pain, helping the patient to stay mobile and retain as much independence as possible.
• Palliative care: This type of care helps to alleviate pain and symptoms, bringing comfort to the patient to improve quality of life. That way, instead of focusing on the pain, the patient can instead focus on spending time with loved ones and activities they enjoy.
• Wound care: We can provide care for skin tears, venous ulcers, pressure wounds, malignant wounds, and deep tissue injuries. Our trained team works carefully to ensure that treatments do not exacerbate old wounds that veterans may also have.
• Counseling and support groups: Veterans in hospice care can receive counseling from caring professionals who are familiar with PTSD and the other psychological and emotional struggles that many veterans face. In addition, veterans can share in support groups with other veteran patients, finding the emotional connection they are looking for. Discovering others one can relate to can be a very healing experience.
• Spiritual care: Our chaplain can offer spiritual counsel and support to veterans, introducing another important element of care. Spiritual care can be adapted to the patient’s beliefs, ensuring that all traditions and perspectives are respected.

In addition, hospice provides services to the family and friends of veteran patients. Caregivers who are struggling to work through burnout or bereavement can attend counseling as well. As a caregiver, you can also take up to 5 consecutive days off through respite care.

Discover All of the Hospice Services We Offer Veterans

Every patient is unique, which is why every treatment plan we create is fully customized to the needs of the individual patient. To learn about our full range of hospice services for veterans, please give us a call at (818) 748-3427. We are based in Burbank and can provide care to veterans throughout the surrounding area.