❦ WHERE DO I GO TO RECEIVE HOSPICE PALLIATIVE CARE? Hospice palliative care can be delivered in many care settings. These include your own home, a lodge, in the Emergency department or the acute care unit of your local hospital, or in a long-term care facility. You and your family will decide where the best place is for you to receive care, and it will change over time, depending on your circumstances. You and your family are in charge of where you go. In the next Section, you will meet some of the care providers who will look after you in these various settings. ❦ MEET YOUR TEAM You are not alone on this journey and your health care team will help you. Your caregivers plan the best hospice palliative care based on your needs. They will: • Learn about your particular needs • Meet with you and your caregivers to talk about your options • Prepare for the place you will receive care Please talk to anyone on your team about any issues that are important to you. You may have many questions or concerns about many topics such as: • Your symptoms • What you and your caregivers expect for your future
• Your hopes and fears • Your future planning • Grief and bereavement
Your team will make sure your concerns are addressed. If they are not effectively addressed, you should be confident in asking for solutions (see Disease Management , pages 9-14). Continuity of care and follow-up are as important as treatment of your symptoms.
Doctor and Nurse Your doctor or nurse will work with you and others to help control any symptoms that cause you discomfort or distress. They can also help with: • Supporting you and your caregivers through your illness • Discussing and helping you decide the best care for you, by reviewing your Goals of Care (GOC)
• Informing you about and helping you with Advance Care Planning (ACP). Read more about this in Disease Management and Physical Care & Support • Finding hospice palliative care resources in our communities • Adjusting from hospital care, to home care
Nurses, which may include Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), or Personal Care Aides (PCAs), provide regular assessments and care. They are familiar with your medical needs and help you with many daily tasks such as: • Helping to take medications
• Changing bandages and cleaning wounds • Recovering from an injury or health problem • Checking your overall health • Creating a patient-centered care plan • Checking and managing your pain
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