Creating a Comprehensive Psychosocial Care Plan for Hospice

Watching someone die can be a stressful and emotional experience. There are so many details that must be dealt with, including practical issues such as living expenses and daily duties. In addition, the person who is terminally ill may have questions about the dying process, concerns about family members and spiritual needs. Writing a psychosocial plan for hospice care can help get questions and concerns addressed as well as provide a blueprint for every aspect of the patient's life during the dying process.

Instructions

• 1

  Address practical care needs. Include where the patient will live, how the patient's daily living needs will be met, and how the financial needs will be met.

• 2

  Prepare for medical needs to be met. Determine who will drive the patient back and forth to appointments. Appoint one person who will be the contact between the hospice and the family and provide that contact with all of the information related to the hospice.

• 3

  Include family needs in the plan. Arrange for a hospice member to provide education to the family about the dying process. Be sure that children are being supported and are given the opportunity to participate in normal social functions.

• 4

  Provide an area in the plan that will allow the patient to express spiritual and practical concerns and desires. Ask the patient how he wants the arrangements handled post death. Allow the patient to talk about fears, anger, concerns and desires as he moves further along the path toward death.