If the treatments that are supposed to cure or slow a progressive illness are no longer working or the patients are ready to stop them, they and their loved ones, along with the doctors, might have much to discuss. If this happens, the doctor can make a referral for hospice care.

Although focusing on the quality of life instead of continuing with treatment may be welcome by the patient, there might still be some uncertainty and worries about what’s coming. What will hospice care be like? How will it help? What can be expected from hospice care?

These are general questions. Not only does hospice care have practical aspects like medical support, but you can also anticipate things like compassion, dignity, and respect. Some things you can expect in your first week of hospice care are:

Dignity and love

Dignity and love

The importance of dignity goes hand-in-hand with respect and will always be a priority. Visits are announced, and staff invariably knocks before entering. You are bringing people into your home, and they will always respect your privacy.

Professionalism

Professionalism

Being professional doesn’t necessarily mean being cold or detached; it means you are in capable hands. The hospice team is an expert in symptom control and personal, emotional, and spiritual care, and they will always do their best to take care of the patient’s needs in a professional, timely, and compassionate way.

Respect

Respect

Every patient is different, so nurses and family will always respect your circumstances, doubts, fears, and wishes for this journey.
You will be respected as a person.

Compassion

Compassion

You can expect this daily from your hospice team for the patient and the family. Compassion is a human quality. More than part of the job, it is part of the person.

Care

Care

It is much more than just the disease; care is about you as a person and your past, present and future story. Care is about making every day left the best possible and ensuring you and your family are at peace with your life.

A committed team

A committed team

Hospice team members will visit you and your family during your first week of hospice services. First, a hospice registered nurse will meet with you to assess your situation and help you with admission; this is the first person you will meet. The next day after you are admitted, you will meet another registered nurse who will most likely be the one who visits you weekly.
A chaplain and social worker will also see you and your family, and you may receive a call from the volunteer coordinator.

Ascend Hospice Care

We understand that it’s a difficult process…

It may seem too much, but the goal is to make the transition to hospice care seamless and easy. A nurse will create a care plan with your priorities and goals in mind based on your wishes and needs, and staff will come according to that plan. Your care team will also ensure you have all the medications, equipment, and supplies needed to control your symptoms and stay comfortable at home.

At Ascend Hospice Care, our ultimate commitment is to comfort your loved ones and their families. Respecting and considering the patient’s desires and their family’s arrangements represent our most respected way of action. So please, call us if you have any questions regarding the hospice care service; we will gladly assist you.

Ascend Hospice Care

We understand that it’s a difficult process…

It may seem too much, but the goal is to make the transition to hospice care seamless and easy. A nurse will create a care plan with your priorities and goals in mind based on your wishes and needs, and staff will come according to that plan. Your care team will also ensure you have all the medications, equipment, and supplies needed to control your symptoms and stay comfortable at home.

At Ascend Hospice Care, our ultimate commitment is to comfort your loved ones and their families. Respecting and considering the patient’s desires and their family’s arrangements represent our most respected way of action. So please, call us if you have any questions regarding the hospice care service; we will gladly assist you.