GRIEF - Talk it out!

When a loved one passes away, it has become common to send flowers with a card that says something like:

• “I’m so sorry to hear about your loss.”
• “Thinking of you in these difficult times”
• “Our hearts go out to you and your family.”

While cards are thoughtful sentiments, a person can often find difficulty coming up with what to say to a grieving person in conversation. Everyone grieves differently, so finding the words to comfort them during emotional times often begins with listening actively and speaking carefully.

Speak Lightly and Wisely

When speaking with the grieving, it’s important to choose your words wisely. Remember, you don’t need to fix their pain, but just be there for them. A few helpful phrases of comfort to offer include:

• “I feel your pain.”
• “I’m here for you.”
• “I love you.”
• “When you’re ready to talk I’ll be here.”

It’s easy to get sidetracked and start speaking about your own personal life experiences.  Only make comparisons to empathize if it appears to be helping.

Be Available

It is important to remember that it can be hard for people coping with grief to find the right words to express themselves. Sometimes they just need to sit there. When they are ready, be available to listen. Offer words of validation to let them know they are being heard, such as “I understand your pain.”

Don’t be afraid to bring the deceased up in conversation to promote healthy grieving. Discussing the deceased signals it is okay to express themselves and talk aloud about the person who has passed, rather than feeling it is weighing them down internally. This will also help in the coping and acceptance process, as well as allow the individual to feel comfortable sharing memories.

Avoid overused comfort phrases.

Remember to validate a loved one’s grief and to give them time to talk things out. But, at the same time, beware of platitudes and clichés such as “It’ll get better over time.” This can be considered an easy way out from listening and comforting a grieving loved one.

Avoid speaking in time frames. Phrases such as, “It’s been 3 months,” are not helpful because – again – everyone heals differently. The phrase “time heals all wounds” is a common myth about grief.

Overcome distance with technology. 

In this day and age, we are fortunate enough to have technologies like Skype and FaceTime available to help us stay in touch with our long-distance loved ones. Try suggesting a conference call with a group of people close to the one in grief. Remember that they can sometimes be unlikely to reach out due to nerves and feelings of vulnerability, so taking initiative will be appreciated.

While it may seem like these efforts aren’t as impactful as they could be, they can potentially mean a lot to someone in pain. On the other hand of the technology spectrum, you can even try sending them some of their favorite things in a gift basket or simply just writing them a letter. Handwritten notes feel more meaningful today among all of the technology at our disposal.

 http://crownhospice.net/2017/07/28/grief-talk-it-out/

At Crown Hospice, we are here to offer help and resources to help make end-of-life planning easier. Call us at (573) 335-4800.

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 grief, help, hospice, seniors, support, tips

Hospice Cost: Who is going to pay?

A loved one’s terminal analysis is one of the hardest things a family will experience. In addition to the emotional toll it takes, the loved one in need often needs additional support and help.

Families can sometimes delay in setting up much needed care because they are concerned about added costs. The question of who is responsible for payments for hospice care is one of the most frequently asked. It may surprise many families to learn that hospice care is available at little to no cost for the patient.

Who Pays for Hospice Care?

Hospice and palliative care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, the Veteran’s Health Administration, and most private insurers. If a patient does not have coverage, Crown Hospice Cape Girardeau will work with the patient and their family to ensure they receive the support and care they need.

Medicare Hospice Benefit:

According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, over 85% of hospice patients are covered by the Medicare Hospice Benefit. Hospice care is covered under Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) at 100%, so there is no cost to the patient or their family.

Medicare recipients obtain medical and support services related to their incurable illness. This includes the support of a hospice medical director, nursing care and hospice aide services, social work services and bereavement counselling for the patient and their family. Patients also receive prescription medication to regulate symptoms linked to their terminal diagnosis, medical equipment including wheelchairs or hospital beds and medical supplies like bandages and incontinence supplies.

Patients are eligible to receive the Medicare Hospice Benefit if they have Medicare Part A, have been diagnosed with 6 months or less to live, and have elected to accept comfort care over curative treatments.

Hospice Care Through Medicaid:

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program providing free or low-cost health coverage to low income families, pregnant women, people with disabilities and the elderly.

Hospice and palliative care is covered by Medicaid at no cost to the patient. While some state Medicaid programs may have slightly different variables for eligibility, the majority of states have the same requirements for hospice and palliative care under Medicaid and Medicare. That is a diagnosis of six months or less to live and the patient must elect to receive comfort care over curative treatments.

Hospice Care Using Private Insurance:

Most private insurance companies offer full coverage for hospice care. While the majority of private insurance companies model their hospice coverage after the Medicare Hospice Benefit, it can vary. A person can contact their insurance provider to ensure that they comprehend what their insurance will cover and any possible costs including copays and deductibles.

At Crown Hospice Cape Girardeau, we are here to offer support and resources to help make end-of-life planning easier.

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 caregiver, cost, hospice, support