Why Wouldn't I Call 911? Understanding Hospice and When to Contact Your Team First

When a loved one is in hospice care, knowing how to best support them can feel overwhelming. While it's natural to want to call 911 in an emergency, understanding the philosophy of hospice care and its comprehensive support system will help you make the right decision and ensure your loved one receives the most appropriate care. In most situations, calling your hospice team first is the best course of action. But why wouldn't you call 911?

The Guiding Philosophy: Comfort and Quality of Life

Hospice care is built upon a foundation of providing comfort, dignity, and maximizing quality of life for individuals facing a terminal illness. It's a holistic approach that addresses physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs. Unlike traditional medical care that focuses on curative treatments, hospice emphasizes:

• ‍Symptom Management: Controlling pain, nausea, shortness of breath, and other distressing symptoms.‍
• Emotional and Spiritual Support: Providing counseling, support groups, and spiritual guidance for both the patient and their family.‍
• Respect for Patient Choices: Honoring the patient's wishes and preferences regarding their care.

Why Your Hospice Team Should Be Your First Call

One of the most important aspects of hospice is the 24/7availability of a dedicated team. This team, which typically includes nurses, doctors, home health aides, social workers, and chaplains, is specifically trained to:

• ‍Assess and Manage Symptoms: They can quickly evaluate the situation and administer medications or other treatments to alleviate discomfort.‍
• Provide Emotional Support: They can offer reassurance, counseling, and a listening ear during stressful times.‍
• Coordinate Care: They work closely with the patient's physician and other healthcare providers to ensure a seamless and coordinated care plan.‍
• Understand the Patient's Wishes: They are familiar with the patient's advance directives and end-of-life preferences.

Because your hospice team knows your loved one's medical history, care plan, and wishes, they are best equipped to handle most situations that arise. Calling 911 can sometimes lead to interventions that are not aligned with the patient's goals, such as unwanted hospitalizations or aggressive treatments.

When 911 is the Right Choice

While your hospice team should be your primary contact, there are specific situations where calling 911 is essential:

• ‍Sudden, Traumatic Injury: If your loved one experiences a fall resulting in a broken bone, head injury, or other serious trauma.‍
• Emergency Situations Unrelated to the Terminal Illness: If your loved one experiences a medical emergency that is not directly related to their underlying illness, such as a heart attack or stroke.‍
• Immediate Danger: If there is a fire, a life-threatening allergic reaction, or any situation that poses an immediate threat to safety.‍
• Caregiver Safety: If the caregiver feels threatened or unsafe.

Important: When calling 911, be sure to inform the dispatcher that the patient is under hospice care. This will help them understand the situation and avoid unnecessary or unwanted interventions.

"Lift Assist" Programs: A Helpful Alternative

Falls can be a common occurrence for individuals with mobility issues. If your loved one falls and is not seriously injured but needs help getting up, consider contacting your local fire department. Many fire departments offer "lift assist" programs, where trained personnel will come to your home and help safely lift your loved one. Some departments offer this service for free, while others may charge a small fee. Check with your local fire department or your hospice team to learn about lift assist programs in your area.

Empowering Caregivers with Knowledge

Understanding the philosophy of hospice and knowing when to contact your hospice team versus calling 911 is crucial for providing the best possible care for your loved one. By relying on the expertise and support of your hospice team, you can ensure their comfort, dignity, and peace of mind during this challenging time.