Hospice is a type of end-of-life care that focuses on quality of life instead of quantity of life. When someone is in the last stages of an incurable disease, Hospice care is one alternative to traditional medicine. Instead of using treatments that attempt to prolong life, Hospice care focuses on providing comfort and dignity during the last months and days of a person’s illness. This includes not only focusing on physical needs, but also on emotional and spiritual needs.

One of the distinguishing features of Hospice care is that it’s family-focused, with treatment decisions being centered on the patient and his or her family members, and with family members being trained to provide a majority of the patient’s care. In fact, although Hospice care can be given in the hospital or in a nursing home, in the United States, Hospice care often takes place in the home.

Usually, Hospice services begin when it’s estimated by a doctor that a patient has six months or less to live. Of course, there’s never a way to determine this with any certainty. Often, patients-especially those with cancer- are reluctant to enter Hospice care because they think it’s a sign that they’ve given up. It’s important to know that entering Hospice care is not a permanent commitment. You can begin Hospice care and then decide to resume traditional treatment, returning to Hospice when – and if – it becomes necessary.

The fact that Hospice is family-focused means that not only do family members participate in treatment decisions and care giving, they also receive support from the Hospice program. Hospice provides hands-on care giving support, as well as bereavement and counseling services both during a loved one’s illness and after his or her death.

Hospice care is readily available. You can find more information from your doctor or hospital, or online.

Robert J. Kulas, P.A. Attorneys at Law is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.

The initial hours and days after your death are some of the most difficult your loved ones will have to face. One of the ways you can ease their burden is to plan your funeral ahead of time. This relieves them of the need to make difficult and emotionally draining decisions during an already emotionally stressful time.

So, how do you go about making funeral plans for yourself? First, keep in mind that planning your funeral ahead of time is not the same as prepaying your funeral. Prepaying your funeral is seldom a good idea and is not recommended.

If you want to plan ahead for your funeral arrangements, here are some things you’ll want to consider:

1. Type of Ceremony. Do you want formal or casual? Large or small? Somber or festive? Do you want a memorial service or a wake? The possibilities truly are endless.
2. Location. Would you like your ceremony to take place in a church? A funeral home? At the home of a family member or friend?
3. Specific Preferences. Do you want a specific type of flower at your service? Who do you want to officiate? Do you want a certain poem read or song sung?
4. Burial/Cremation Wishes. Do you want to be buried or cremated? What casket or urn would you like? Would you like your ashes to be scattered? If so, where and by whom?
5. Paying for your Funeral. Although prepaid funerals aren’t a great idea, it is a good idea to have a funeral fund set aside so that your loved ones don’t have to pay for your funeral.

Once you’ve thought through all of your preferences, you’ll want to put your wishes down in writing. You’ll also want to let your loved ones know where your funeral plans are located, and let your executor or a close relative know how to access your funeral fund.

Robert J. Kulas, P.A. Attorneys at Law is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.