During our recording session this weekend, Jerry and I discussed our wishes for hospice care. We each named only one wish, but there are a lot more.
No more 6 month terminal prognosis requirement
Easier ways to provide care to patients during times of crisis
Global access to hospice for all people, no matter where they live
Payment to hospice agencies that would allow staff to be present as patients move up to and through death
Standardized training for all spiritual care staff
Reimbursement for enhanced services like massage, aroma, music and pet therapies
A standardized healthcare EMR (Electronic Medical Record) that could communicate across the continuum of care
Mandatory training on end of life discussions for every hospice professional, including physicians
Death with Dignity laws that are accessible to everyone
Opioids and other medications available in all countries
No more stigma or myths about using hospice care
Photo by Helen Bauer, The Heart of Hospice
What would be on your “hospice wish list”? If you’re an end of life professional, you’ve probably got a TON of ideas. If you’ve experienced hospice from a personal side, I’m sure you’ve got suggestions for how we can provide you with better care.
So let’s hear them! Tell us how hospice can be better. Send an email to host@theheartofhospice. We want to hear what your wishes are. Let’s make hospice better for everybody – patients, families, providers.
Speak up – the louder our conversation is, the more likely it is that people will begin to listen.
No matter who you are, or where you are in your hospice journey, You are The Heart of Hospice.
Comments