In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Lindsay welcomes Red Keating, a supportive care counselor at Hospice Peterborough and co-host of the What Now? podcast, to discuss the profound importance of hospice and palliative care in Ontario. Highlighting the compassionate, holistic approach to end-of-life support, Red shares insights on caregiver support, emotional and spiritual guidance, and the significance of being present during a loved one’s final days. Listeners gain valuable knowledge on the structure and services of hospice care, the benefits of community involvement, and the variety of support groups offered for patients and their families.

What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode

Holistic End-of-Life Care: Hospice and palliative care prioritize comprehensive support, focusing on the patient's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, emphasizing dignity and comfort during the end-of-life stage.

Support for Families: Hospice care extends beyond the patient, offering significant emotional and psychological support to family members and caregivers, acknowledging their vital role and challenges.

Importance of Being Present: One of the most meaningful aspects of supporting a loved one during their final days is simply being present, highlighting the power of companionship and non-verbal connection.

Community-Based Services: Hospice Peterborough showcases an exemplary model of community-focused hospice care, with robust support services tailored to local needs.

Wide Range of Support Groups: Hospice Peterborough offers diverse support groups, from grief recovery and bereaved parent programs to specialized sessions for those affected by overdose or suicide, reflecting their commitment to comprehensive care.

Ideas Worth Sharing

·        "Hospice care is that time when we say, we also need to take some care because this is another important time in life, and that's the leaving of life."  – Red Keating

·        "Good hospice care says we're here when that treatment is over. It was unsuccessful, but you are still important." – Red Keating

·        "Being present and to witness is one of the toughest and most important pieces of work that anybody will ever do."– Red Keating

·        "Hospice care and palliative care, from my experience, has always been an incredibly good experience... reach out, don't be alone." – Red Keating

·        "Good palliative care starts at the time of diagnosis, but people hear that word and think it's the end. It's not; it's about taking care of the whole person." – Red Keating

Resources

Hospice Peterborough - for information on local hospice services, support groups, and resources in the Peterborough community.

Podcast: What Now? – co-hosted by Red Keating, providing additional insights and discussions related to hospice care and end-of-life experiences.

Understanding Hospice Care: Key Questions and Answers

Hospice care is vital in supporting individuals and families during life’s final stages. While often misunderstood, hospice provides holistic and compassionate care tailored to the unique needs of each person and their loved ones. This Q&A offers insights into hospice care, exploring its purpose, structure, and support options.

What Is Hospice Care?

Q: What exactly is hospice care?

A: Hospice care focuses on providing comfort and support rather than curative treatments when a person reaches the end of life. Typically offered when all other treatment options are no longer effective, hospice care ensures a person’s remaining time is managed with dignity and compassion. It aims to reduce pain, control symptoms, and provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support to both the patient and their family.

How Does Hospice Care Differ from Palliative Care?

Q: What’s the difference between hospice care and palliative care?

A: Hospice and palliative care are closely related but serve distinct purposes. Palliative care aims to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life from the time of a serious diagnosis onward, even if treatments are still ongoing. Hospice care, on the other hand, is generally reserved for those with a life expectancy of six months or less and focuses on comfort rather than curing the illness. Both approaches prioritize the patient’s quality of life but have different timing and treatment goals.

Who Provides Hospice Care, and Where Is It Offered?

Q: Who provides hospice care, and where does it occur?

A: Hospice care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team that may include doctors, nurses, social workers, counselors, and volunteers. The team is focused on providing compassionate care tailored to the patient’s needs. Hospice care can be provided in various settings, including hospice centers, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or the patient’s home. The choice of location depends on the patient’s preferences, medical needs, and availability of local hospice services.

How Does Hospice Care Support Families?

Q: What types of support does hospice offer to family members and caregivers?

A: Hospice care acknowledges that end-of-life is challenging for patients and deeply impacts families. Families often face emotional, logistical, and physical demands while caring for a loved one. Hospice care includes counseling, respite care, grief support, and various caregiver resources to assist family members in managing their challenges. Many hospices also provide support groups, both for those currently providing care and those who have lost loved ones, helping families feel less isolated and more connected.

What Are Some Common Misconceptions About Hospice Care?

Q: Are there any misconceptions about hospice care?

A: Yes, there are several common myths about hospice care. One is the belief that hospice means “giving up” or that the medical system has abandoned the patient. Hospice care is about honoring life’s final phase with respect, comfort, and support. Another misconception is that hospice is only for the last days or weeks of life;. At the same time, some patients come to hospice in the final days, many benefit from hospice services for months, allowing more time to receive supportive care and prepare emotionally. Hospice is also often mistakenly seen as an entirely medical approach, but it’s deeply human-centered, addressing psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs as well.

What Support Groups Are Available Through Hospice Care?

Q: What types of support groups can be found in hospice programs?

A: Hospice programs often provide a range of support groups tailored to different needs and experiences. For example, many offer grief support groups, helping family members navigate loss and understand their feelings. Some hospices provide specialized groups for those grieving losses due to overdose or suicide. Additionally, some offer support for children and teens, acknowledging that young people process grief differently than adults. These groups provide a space for sharing, connection, and healing, helping families move forward with support from others who understand their experiences.

What Is Expected from Families in the Final Days?

Q: How can families be present during a loved one’s final days?

A: Hospice staff often encourage families to focus on being present and connected with their loved ones during the final days. This might mean simply sitting together, holding their hand, or creating a calm, comforting environment. Being present is a deeply impactful act that may not require words or actions—just the willingness to sit in quiet companionship. Family members often find that even small gestures, like playing music or keeping a familiar item nearby, can provide comfort and foster connection during these precious moments.

How Is Hospice Care Structured in Canada?

Q: What is the hospice care structure like in Canada?

A: In Canada, hospice care is typically community-based, meaning each region may have slightly different services and funding models. While hospice programs receive some provincial funding, they often rely on community donations and fundraising to make up the shortfall. As a result, hospice care services can vary significantly depending on the location. Urban areas tend to have more comprehensive services, while rural or northern communities may face limitations in access and availability. However, hospices work closely with local healthcare providers to create a seamless support network, wherever they’re located.

What Should Families Do If They’re Considering Hospice Care?

Q: What steps should families take if they’re thinking about hospice care for a loved one?

A: If a loved one is reaching the final stages of an illness, families are encouraged to reach out to a doctor, social worker, or directly to a hospice organization to discuss options. A healthcare provider can help assess eligibility and coordinate a referral to hospice services. Hospice teams can then work with the family to create a care plan that aligns with the patient’s and family’s needs and wishes. By starting hospice care sooner, patients and families may have more time to benefit from the full range of services offered, providing a better quality of life during the final phase.

Final Thoughts

Hospice care honors the final phase of life by offering comfort, dignity, and support to patients and families. It’s a compassionate approach that focuses on quality of life, acknowledging that end-of-life is an important time filled with its challenges and needs. By learning more about hospice, individuals and families can feel more prepared to navigate this meaningful journey with the support of experienced professionals dedicated to compassionate care.