As your loved one’s caretaker, you may be called upon to help make decisions about their care. The information provided here is intended as an aide to help you deal with such issues.
Hospitalization
The hospitalization of a loved one can be stressful and distressing. If your loved one, while hospitalized, suffers a significant decline, you might also be forced to make crucial decisions without his or her input. By taking certain actions before your loved one is hospitalized, you can ensure that his or her wishes are respected, and that you will be prepared to work with the medical staff in making important decisions about his or her care.
Documents To Have In Order
First, while your loved one is of sound mind, he or she should take the appropriate steps to get his or her affairs in order. Your loved one should consider preparing an advance directive, living will, and durable power of attorney. These are all simple documents to complete, and sample forms should be available through your hospital or attorney. Signed copies of these documents should be given to his or her family physician, and should also be placed on the hospital chart each time your loved one is hospitalized. For more information about these documents, click here.
Information To Provide To Hospital Personnel
It is a good idea to have the following information prepared in writing to provide to your loved one’s health care team:
- Patient’s medical history
- A list of allergies, especially to medications
- A list of current medications and dosages
- A list of all your loved one’s physicians and consultants, and their phone numbers
Be Part Of The Health Care Team
You, as your loved one’s caregiver, are part of the health care team along with the attending physician, nurses, and hospital social worker or case manager. As part of the team, here are some things you should do when your loved one is hospitalized:
Meet your loved one’s attending physician. The attending physician is the primary doctor responsible for your loved one’s care while in the hospital. The attending physician can explain your loved one’s treatment plan while in the hospital. If you do not understand the treatment plan, ask questions until you feel comfortable with the answers. Make sure you also know how to reach the attending physician (by phone or pager).
Make sure the face sheet of your loved one’s hospital chart contains your name and correct phone numbers.
Get to know the hospital nurses who care for your loved one. They can be an excellent source of information and support, and can direct you to speak with the attending physician when necessary.
Speak with the hospital social worker or case manager. He or she can help with any hospital discharge issues, including the necessary follow-up when your loved one leaves the hospital, home health equipment your loved one might need, and resources such as hospice care. The social worker can also provide support to you as well as to your loved one.
Hospice Care
The goal of hospice care is to provide a pleasant end-of-life experience to those who have been diagnosed with terminal illnesses. Over 90% of Americans say they would prefer to be in the comfort of their own homes at the end of their lives. Hospice care allows people to do this.
If your loved one’s doctor has said that there is not much else that can be done medically, there is sure to be a hospice agency near you that can help your loved one make the adjustment to a comfortable end-of-life experience at home. Many hospice care programs are available free of charge. Below are two organizations that might be able to help you.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) is the largest non-profit membership organization representing hospice and palliative care programs and professionals in the United States. It is committed to improving end of life care and expanding access to hospice care. It offers information on how to find a hospice, and provides publications about hospice care in English and Spanish. 1-800-658-8898
HospiceLink, a service of Hospice Education Institute, provides referrals to hospice and palliative care organizations.