There are a variety of issues hospice must address with the patient and family, without a course of action specific to the dying process, it can become very complex very quickly. There is a process (approach) that must be followed to have success with the patient and family. First, you must address the physical needs they have, and make them as comfortable as possible. Any person that is in physical pain will not focus on any other aspect of their life, because the pain will have captured all their attention.

Once the pain and symptoms are controlled, hospice can then begin its real value to the patient and family. That is by addressing their emotional needs which usually include the fears associated with a terminal illness. Who will care for their family, what will happen to their body, is their something beyond this life?

Hospice will then address their social needs that deal with feelings of not being part of society any more, or wanting to see children or friends they haven’t seen for a period of time.

Socially they may want to accomplish something they love doing or have always wanted to do. Hospice can assist them in trying to accomplish those items.

The hospice will then address their spiritual needs, usually not associated with a religious aspect. If it becomes a religious focus, hospice should involve the patient’s religious affiliations. Most patients will reflect over their life and take an accounting of the good and bad, as well as the proud and not so proud moments in their lives. It is a time for them to leave a part of themselves to their family, friends, and community and be remembered for their own life ’s legacy.