Although terminal illness is a difficult thing to cope with, it also gives the person who is terminally ill and the family time to examine life, establish priorities, and renew or strengthen relationships. During this time, you can help in easing the transition by participating in choices in hospice care. A hospice team can help ensure that the person in your care is as comfortable as possible during this period. It can also guide the patient and family's choices for final arrangements.

When an Illness Takes a Turn for the Worse

When a serious illness becomes life threatening, a person will go through many physical, emotional, and spiritual changes. Decisions to end medical treatment, seek hospice care, or to withdraw life support may need to be made. It's best to talk over these decisions with the physicians and family of the person in your care well before there is a health care crisis.

Discussing the Person's Wishes

• When possible, discuss the person's and the family's wishes before an illness reaches the final phase.
• Does the person have a health care proxy?
• Is there a living will or medical power of attorney?
• What would the person's choices be regarding life support?
• Would the person want to stay at home or enter a facility?