Serving the Parishes of East and West Baton Rouge, East and West Feliciana, Ascension, Iberville, Livingston and Pointe Coupee  
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Hospice Discussion Tips

Make secure referral

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  1. Establish the medical facts. Coordinate with other providers to deliver the same message.
  2. Set the stage. Choose a comfortable time and place with key decision-makers present.
  3. Assess understanding of the prognosis. Observe for misunderstandings or denial on part of patient or family.
  4. Help patient define attainable personal goals. Within the foreseeable future, what would he/she like to achieve? Avoid?
  5. Reframe those goals, as needed, to align with prognosis. ("I wish we could say you could do ***, but I can't. What you can do, however, is ...") This provides something realistic to look forward to.
  6. Identify patient/family care service needs. : Before mentioning hospice, ask if any of the following might be helpful: Pain relief, symptom comtrol, help with bathing, emotional/spiritual support, information about financial assistance.
  7. Introduce hospice "I know a service that can give you the kind of support you need and can help you achieve your goals of ***."
  8. Respond to emotions and concerns. Acknowledge feelings about hospice. Ask about past experience; dispell myths.
  9. Make hospice referral