Making the Hospice Decision
These are some of the concerns that cross caregivers' minds when making the decision about hospice/palliative care for their loved one with a brain tumor:
Could it really be almost over, after how hard we've fought?
At this point, is there any chance that one therapy or another could make a difference, even if only for a little while?
If we somehow managed to buy more time with another treatment, how high would the quality of that time be?
How much time might we still have? Weeks? Months? If we could know that, how would it impact our decision about what to do now?
Is it possible that the patient could rebound from current deficits and be just fine in a week or two? If so, would it have been premature to call in hospice help?
If we make a move toward hospice care, will it appear that we just gave up? How will that make the patient or other family members feel?
Would I be capable of caring for the patient at home, or would an inpatient facility better meet his or her needs?
If we keep the patient at home, what will be required?
How much help would hospice provide, and would it be enough?
Will the patient feel pain, and can we expect to manage it?
If the death occurs at home, afterward how will it affect me and other family members if we continue living here? Will we forget all the memories of good times spent here, and be left remembering only the sadness of illness?
If young children are involved, how do I ensure that decisions are made in their best interest as well as in the best interest of the patient?
What does the patient wish to do at this point, and is he or she in a state to make that decision?
If I call in extra help, is it like admitting I'm not a good caregiver?
I'm afraid I'm going to feel guilty and regretful no matter what I do. How can I know I'm making a good decision I can feel good about a month from now...a year from now?