Topics to discuss with Hospice Team

There are a number of things that should be addressed early on- preferably during the first week.

Contents Resources Chat

Treatment Preferences

Have you decided against being resuscitated, is a DNR order in the chart?
Have Advance Directive & POLST forms been filled out? If no, discuss with hospice team. (Click here for Advance Directive samples and POLST samples)
Are there circumstances where you would want to leave hospice care and be admitted to the hospital?
Would want some medical treatment such as antibiotics?
Desire for non medical supportive care such as music, art therapy, meditation? Access to support groups?
Emphasis on pain with maximizing of comfort?
Less pain control with maximizing alertness?
Other questions or concerns?

It is important and helpful for your hospice team to understand their belief system- are they religious, actively participate in religious practices? What importance does faith or belief have in their life?
Do they have any spiritual or existential concerns, such as needing closure with certain family members, desire to document your feelings and thoughts?
Your hospice can provide spiritual counselors/chaplains.
Other questions or concerns?
The hospice team has Chaplains and Social Workers trained to discuss difficult topics.

Shortness of Breath - when does it occur and how severe
Pain - Where is it, how often, and how severe (Click here for how to assess pain severity) https://partnerforcare.com/ContentManagement/17
Anxiety, Depression
There are medications for these symptoms that will be provided by the hospice team