Transitioning from curative care to
hospice care, whether it be in-home or at a facility, can seem like a hopeless
process, but things are changing. Hospice can be a restorative time for families and loved ones as we prepare to say goodbye.
Our definition of hospice is changing from a seemingly hopeless set of days determined by doctors, to a hopeful journey for everyone involved. AARP has a great article on the negative connotations of hospice and its changing ways of care. Some even view hospice as "giving up" and spending the last days on morphine. But hospice is changing and so is the way families' transition through this step in life. The median time spent in hospice is about 18 days, as reported by AARP, although many times prognoses of days left are underestimated by doctors. These days, weeks, or months are for you or your loved one to feel the most comfortable, and if not, hospice is not a permanent decision, you can always quit and find the best option available. Finally, hospice care is to enrich one's final transition. Rather than spending time in a hospital, this time can be spent in a peaceful setting with family. Paula Spencer Scott writes for AARP that it is time to "reflect on one's legacy and life meaning, focusing on relationships in a deeper and more intentional way, achieving a sense of closure, and realizing any end-of-life goals, such as attending a grandchild's graduation or getting financial affairs in order." If you're looking for help with this life transition, whether it be your own transition or a loved one's, life coach services may be an option for you as you navigate the journey of the end of life.
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