Hospice Care for Terminal Cancer Patients in Portland, OR

When to Pursue Hospice Care for Cancer Patients

A medical professional makes the clinical determination of a patient’s cancer prognosis. However, it’s up to the family and patient to choose hospice care. Hospice care for terminal cancer patients is often pursued when a patient is deemed to have advanced-stage cancer, which gives a life expectancy of six months or less.

Signs It’s Time to Discuss Hospice Care

Symptoms will vary from one person to the next. However, several symptoms suggest it’s time to consider hospice care, including:

• The patient is weak, and the malignancy of their cancer is increasing
• Treatment is no longer effective
• The burden or side effects of treatment outweigh the advantages

What Hospice Care for Cancer Patients Involves

Hospice care for terminal cancer patients is a personalized, comprehensive care plan that aids in providing comfort and support as a patient’s needs change. This may include:

• Coordinated care with a patient’s oncologist, physician, and family
• Symptom management
• Emotional, physical, and spiritual support
• At-home care for increased comfort
• Free medical equipment
• Free supplies
• Free care from our team of MD’s, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and CNA’s

How Hospice Care Helps Families 

Cancer not only impacts the patient, but their families. As such, hospice care for cancer patients aims to support the patient’s family as they navigate their loved one’s cancer prognosis. This may include:

• Respite care
• Emotional and spiritual support
• Caregiver training and education
• Bereavement counseling
• Help with challenging decisions

Benefits of Hospice Care

Hospice care for cancer patients can bring comfort and support during a challenging time. Some of the benefits of hospice care include:

• Increased quality of life and comfort
• Holistic support for patients and families
• Reduced rehospitalization
• Safety and security
• Enhanced peace of mind
• More time to focus on what matters most – quality time

Approaching the Hospice Care Discussion

Choosing to pursue hospice care is never an easy decision. These choices require a wealth of knowledge and time spent researching the best choice for your health or the health of your loved one. To facilitate this discussion, it’s important to be prepared. Fortunately, Agape Hospice NW is here to guide you.

For Patients Speaking to Families

If you are considering hospice care, you may be nervous to bring up the prospect of hospice care to your loved ones. To ease into this discussion, we recommend:

• Research hospice care and the value it can bring to your life
• Ask for your physician or faith leader to attend
• Explain your goals
• Prioritize your wishes

For Families Speaking to Patients

If you believe your loved one needs hospice care, it can be difficult to begin the conversation. As such, we recommend:

• Learn as much as possible about hospice care
• Ask your loved one for permission
• Understand your loved one’s needs and goals
• Make the conversation about their wellbeing
• Listen to their needs and concerns