When to Consider Hospice for a Terminally Ill Family Member

The subject of death has long been taboo amongst western cultures. Despite the fact that we all die eventually, most of us don’t want to talk or even think about it, much less stare it in the face. And so, when a family member is diagnosed with a terminal illness, that person may become something of a social pariah, especially as his health declines. However, you may be truly devoted to your beloved family member, in which case the difficulties associated with care and/or decisions may end up falling to you. As such, there may come a time when you have to decide if hospice care is the right way to go. But how do you know when you’re supposed to send a terminally ill relative to the care of those who will keep him comfortable and facilitate easy passage into the afterlife? Here are a few considerations that could help you to decide. Even for patients that are diagnosed as terminally ill, there may still be hope thanks to advances in modern medicine, experimental treatments, or some kind of miracle brought on by radical lifestyle changes. Just look at author Kris Carr (‘Crazy Sexy Cancer’ and other publications), who was diagnosed with incurable, stage four cancer back in 2003, was told she had mere months to live, but managed to turn her whole life around through holistic practices, arresting the progress of her cancer in the process. More than ten years later, she’s still going strong. Of course, very few terminally ill patients will be blessed ...
Source: Mental Nurse - Category: Nurses Authors: Tags: Health cultures Hospice hospice New Orleans Source Type: blogs