When you discuss the Hospice option with your doctor:
- Ask them to thoroughly explain all treatments and procedures that may seem confusing.
- Let your doctor know that you are completing your advance directives.
- Make sure your doctor is willing to follow your directives.
- Talk with them about pain management options.
- Give your doctor a copy of your completed directives. Make sure the name and telephone number of your appointed healthcare agent is included in that copy.
- Make sure both your doctor and healthcare agent or proxy, know of each other. You want no one to be surprised in a crisis situation.
Ask your doctor:
- If he/she will talk openly with you and your family about your illness?
- What kind of decisions will you and your family face with your illness? What recommendations will he/she make to help you with those decisions?
- What can he/she offer to relieve pain or discomfort associated with your illness?
- Can he/she offer referrals to medical, surgical and palliative care specialists, faith leaders and social workers should you need them?
- If treatments stop working will he/she inform you and your family so that you can make appropriate decisions about the future?
- Will he/she still be available when you are close to the end of your life?