#141: What if the end-of-life care you choose could actually improve your quality of life significantly? Today, we’re joined by the seasoned nurse practitioner, Ivy who helps untangle the often-confusing terms of hospice and palliative care. We break down how hospice is a compassionate Medicare benefit designed for patients with a prognosis of six months or less, while palliative care serves as a supportive bridge for those with chronic illnesses still undergoing treatments. We tackle common myths, such as the belief that hospice means imminent death, and emphasize that it’s truly about comfort and dignity.

We'll guide you through the intricate rules and goals surrounding hospice care, including how ER visits can affect a patient's status. Ivy shares an intimate story about her grandfather's experience with hospice, illustrating how this care can profoundly enhance life quality. We also clarify that hospice does not mean the cessation of all treatments – necessary medications continue to be provided to ensure comfort. Moving on, we delve into the emotional and complex decisions about DNR and DNI orders, where Miss Ivy and I share our differing perspectives on these critical directives.

Finally, we can't stress enough the importance of having a healthcare proxy and being educated about your options for end-of-life care. Through heartfelt discussions, we aim to prepare you for making informed and compassionate decisions when it matters most. Don't miss our next episode, where we’ll switch gears and reminisce about the quirks and joys of surviving the 90s.

You can now send us a text to ask a question or review the show. We would love to hear from you!

Follow me on social: https://www.instagram.com/babbles_nonsense/