Communicate openly about the illness, adjusting the complexity of the information based on your children's ages and comprehension levels.

Utilize resources and programs like Hospice Northwest's HUUG program, which offers guidance on discussing sensitive topics like illness and loss with children, ensuring they feel supported and not alone during this challenging time.

Engage with comprehensive support systems provided by Hospice Northwest's Caregiver Program, which includes caregiver workshops, support lines, and community gatherings.

These resources are designed to ensure that families receive both emotional and practical support, enhancing the caregiving experience and ensuring no one feels isolated.

Prioritize personalized care tailored to your needs and preferences. Regularly assess and adjust your plan of care through ongoing communication with your team of caregivers. Hospice Northwest's Palliative Program staff and volunteers offers emotional support to help in managing symptoms and coordinating care that respects your wishes and maintains your dignity.

Collaborate with caregivers to adapt activities that resonate with your interests, even as your abilities change. Hospice Northwest provides resources such as Don't Duck the Conversation and trained volunteers to help design and implement activities that enrich your life, ensuring each day is filled with moments that matter to you. Consider making a self-referral for a volunteer to support you. 

Consider palliative care when managing the symptoms of a life-limiting illness becomes challenging. Early integration of palliative care can significantly improve quality of life by providing symptom management, emotional support, and comprehensive care planning. You can also reach out to Palliative Carelink a community of doctors, nurses, therapists, and other health professionals that strive to implement an earlier approach to palliative care. 

Use direct conversations and written plans to clearly communicate your healthcare and end-of-life preferences. Hospice Northwest provides tools such Don't Duck the Conversation, which is an important step in an overall Advance Care Planning process to help articulate and document your wishes, ensuring they are respected and followed.

Organize care through a central coordinator or advocate such as Palliative Carelink who understands your health needs and can communicate effectively with all healthcare providers involved. Hospice Northwest can assist in establishing a cohesive care team that collaborates to provide seamless, integrated care.

Feelings about death are deeply personal and can vary day by day. It's important to recognize that whatever you feel is valid. Hospice Northwest supports open discussions about these feelings, providing a safe space to explore and express them without judgment.

The first step in supporting a loved one facing a life-limiting illness is to ensure they receive the appropriate medical care and support. Begin by connecting with healthcare providers such as Palliative Carelink to initiate an intake or referral process; you can even submit a referral yourself. It's crucial that your loved one is agreeable and on board with these steps.

Beyond medical care, your presence is vital—be there to support them according to their wishes, help them navigate the healthcare system, and connect them with necessary palliative care resources. Whether it's arranging for a service like Hospice Northwest's volunteer support to provide compassionate companionship, or simply being there to discuss daily challenges, your role is to make their journey as smooth and dignified as possible. Address their needs in the moment, advocate for their rights, and ensure they never feel alone through this challenging time. This supportive presence is essential not just for their well-being but also for maintaining their quality of life at home if that is their preference.

Hospice Northwest offers diverse services ranging from in-home volunteer palliative care to grief support and counseling. Each service is designed to address the unique challenges faced by those with life-limiting illnesses and their families, providing tailored support that respects individual wishes and enhances quality of life.