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If it is unusual, it should not be. President Carter's prolonged time in hospice care highlights something important I think people should take note of: hospice
by blamazon 3y ago
If it is unusual, it should not be. President Carter's prolonged time in hospice care highlights something important I think people should take note of: hospice care isn't about giving up. In my eyes, too many people wait for too long to go into hospice because of that mentality. Hospice is just a way to step back from the stressors of curative methods to instead focus on comfort and pain relief, on being with family, and living one's final days with grace. For our loved ones with terminal conditions, we should aim for this period of care to be as long as possible, and that means going into it as soon as possible.
- tomcam 3y agoAs an old guy, I find that perspective genuinely useful. Thank you.
- mberning 3y agoWhile I agree with the sentiment it really depends on many factors, most of which are unknowable. That is, if you knew to certainty that a loved one would live 2 months in hospice or 3 months in hospital most people would pick 2 months of peace. But it’s unknowable in the moment, and in my experience doctors do a really poor at explaining when a loved one is beyond help. My dad went into the hospital for CHF and I probably spoke to a dozen doctors and only one made it clear that there was no hope of improvement/going home. I stand by my statement that President Carter’s situation is very unusual.