In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Amy Huddleston interviews Helen Bauer, a seasoned hospice and palliative care nurse, to demystify hospice care and its benefits. They discuss the philosophy of hospice, the interdisciplinary team involved, and the importance of early engagement with hospice services. Helen shares insights on palliative care, the role of spiritual support, and the common myths surrounding hospice. The conversation emphasizes the need for open communication and planning in end-of-life care, encouraging families to seek help sooner rather than later.

Takeaways:

- Hospice is a philosophy of care, not a place.
- Over 90% of patients prefer to die at home.
- Hospice care is for those with a life expectancy of six months or less.
- The hospice team includes doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains.
- Patients can still receive therapies like physical therapy in hospice.
- Hospice does not provide 24/7 care; family involvement is crucial.
- Palliative care is available for those still seeking curative treatment.
- Hospice services are typically covered by Medicare and Medicaid.
- Patients can leave hospice care if they choose to pursue curative treatment.
- Early engagement with hospice can significantly improve quality of life.

Sound bites:

"Don't fear the word hospice."
"Hospice is a philosophy of care."
"Over 90% prefer to die at home."

Products/Books/Resources:

Medicare (.gov) Care Compare: https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/?providerType=Hospice
Hospice Navigation Services: https://www.theheartofhospice.com/
The Heart of Hospice podcast: https://www.theheartofhospice.com/podcast
Being Mortal by Dr. Atul Gawande: https://amzn.to/4mJjMxy

Some of the links provided are affiliate links. I may receive a commission if you purchase through these links. Thank you for your support!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Care
02:14 Understanding Hospice: A Philosophy of Care
05:05 Who is Hospice For?
07:11 Criteria for Hospice Admission
08:44 The Benefits of Early Hospice Care
10:49 The Hospice Care Team Explained
15:44 Legacy Projects and Spiritual Counseling
17:42 The Role of Chaplains in Hospice Care
21:11 Therapies Offered in Hospice Care
23:59 Understanding the Schedule of Hospice Services
28:05 Supplementing Hospice with Home Care
33:41 Medication Management in Hospice Care
34:36 Understanding Medication Administration in Hospice Care
38:11 Navigating Hospice Payment Options
39:48 Finding the Right Hospice Agency
44:07 Supplemental Services for Hospice Patients
47:52 Defining Palliative Care
53:37 Distinguishing Between Hospice and Palliative Care
58:14 The Personal Journey into Hospice Nursing
01:05:11 The Process of Hospice Admission
01:07:32 The Importance of Early Hospice Engagement
01:09:47 A Case Study: Late Hospice Referral
01:15:38 Debunking Myths About Hospice Care
01:19:30 Empowering Conversations About Hospice
01:24:02 Navigating Hospice Services

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