20 Questions to Ask Yourself

A good friend went onto service with hospice just a few days ago and the decision came down to asking the tough questions. Here is a start towards asking the right questions around whether hospice is right for you or a loved one.

1. What is my total understanding of my current health prognosis?
2. What are my biggest fears or concerns about the future of my healthcare journey?
3. What are my goals for care at this stage of my illness?
4. What does quality of life mean to me right now (personal, family, friends)?
5. Am I more focused on comfort or on continuing aggressive treatment?
6. What symptoms or discomforts am I experiencing most often and how does that affect me?
7. How well are my current treatments managing my symptoms?
8. How much time do I want to spend in hospitals or clinics verses time at home?
9. Where do I want to receive care (home, hospital, other)?
10. Who do I want to be involved in my care decisions?
11. What support do my family and caregivers need in this chapter of my life?
12. What are my spiritual or religious needs and wishes?
13. Are there important things I want to say or do with loved ones at this point in my life?
14. Have I discussed my wishes with my family and healthcare team? Are they documented somewhere?
15. Do I have advance directives, or a living will in place?
16. Who is my chosen healthcare proxy or decision-maker?
17. What financial or practical concerns do I have about hospice care?
18. What questions do I have about what hospice care includes?
19. How do I feel about stopping treatments meant to cure my illness?
20. What legacy or memories do I want to leave for my loved ones?