Nearly two million Americans use hospice services every year, and the number is growing. More people are seeing the value of hospice care as a way to provide comfort and support for individuals when trying to “fix” or “cure” things is no longer the goal. Springbrook works collaboratively with all area hospice services: Gundersen/Emplify, Mayo, St Croix, and Moments Hospice.

We realize that talking about hospice and end of life is uncomfortable for many people.  Our medical team is here to offer their knowledge and experience as you and your loved one begin their final journey.  Hospice services allow residents to have the comfort and quality of life they deserve when living with an incurable illness.

MYTH: Hospice is only for people who are about to die

A lot of people think hospice is just for people who have a few days or weeks to live.  This is not true.  Hospice can enroll people who clinically have six months or less to live as determined by a doctor, but that is not an exact science, and often individuals live longer than that.  Indications that hospice might be appropriate include signs such as increased sleeping, decreased appetite, and overall weakness.  Our Director of Nursing, Karla Miller Maloney, monitors all residents and will reach out to family to discuss these signs if they are observed.  Our medical team can assist families with contacting the resident’s physician and taking the next steps to enroll in Hospice.

Hospice allows people to be more comfortable and to make clearer decisions about end-of-life care. The hospice team will work with Springbrook staff to make sure that the resident’s needs are met and the person is functioning at the highest level of independence possible.

MYTH: Hospice speeds up the dying process

Another common misconception is that hospice hastens the dying process. There is no evidence that hospice care speeds up death.  Some individuals improve enough to get off of hospice.

Underlying this myth is the misconception that choosing hospice means “giving up.”  But this is not true.  Hospice is not stopping treatment, it is just a different type of treatment.  We don’t give up on people; care is always provided.  But with hospice, we can focus on a person’s comfort and happiness, rather than sometimes painful treatments and frequent disruptive appointments.  With a Hospice provider, our SpringBrook team can reach out and get a response right away regarding a change in medical condition.  This decreases the need for emergency department and urgent care visits.

In most cases, however, at some point after admission to hospice, the resident will begin the dying process.  This is a distinct clinical phase and care changes at this time.  At this point, the following care plan is put in place:

• Resident can remain in bed or recliner chair (whichever is the most comfortable for them)
• Staff watch for signs of discomfort or restlessness (facial grimacing/ moaning/ reaching out) and give pain medication and/or anti-anxiety medications as prescribed by Hospice.
• Typically, residents no longer have an interest in eating.  Staff are to provide a variety of liquids and offer sips of fluid when they are doing cares.
• Noise levels (radios, television, conversations) are kept to a minimum or low volume.
• Low lighting is kept on at all times, such as a bedside lamp or bathroom light on with the door partially closed; window blinds may be open or closed per resident or family wishes.

Knowledge is the key to neutralizing the fear associated with death and dying.  This is one of our major goals here at SpringBrook.  By keeping open communication between the hospice provider, the resident, family members, and our Springbrook team, we can ensure that the best quality of care is provided for your loved one during the final chapter of their life.