As an end-of-life expert, Dr. Shoshana Underleider knows how important it is to have a difficult conversation about death – and there’s one in particular that she wants people to have before it’s too late.
Shoshana regularly advises people who have loved ones dealing with terminal illness to talk about what they want the end of their lives to look like and where they want their final moments to be – especially if they want hospice care.
She revealed that while 80 percent of people want to die at home, only 30 percent actually achieve this – highlighting why it’s crucial to have hard conversations.
The doctor recently spoke to DailyMail.com about the stigma in society surrounding death and dying, which often leads to aggressive and invasive treatments that can extend life without actually improving quality.
“In the United States specifically, patients can receive hospice care for months. It is available to anyone with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less,” Shoshana explained to DailyMail.com.
Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider revealed that while 80 percent of people want to die at home, only just under 30 percent achieve this – highlighting why it’s crucial to talk to your loved ones
‘If you get sick and need help, [if] If you go to a hospital, you will receive very aggressive, invasive treatment unless you opt out [or] have someone advocate on your behalf,” the expert noted.
Shoshana shared the hesitancy to refer people early to palliative care, which makes the transition to hospice more appropriate.
The medical professional, who is advocating for training in palliative care in medical education, pointed out that while this is okay for a “young healthy person,” it is not the same for the elderly.
“If you have end-stage disease [or] Perhaps you are older and more vulnerable. “It’s really important that people recognize that it’s about how you want to be cared for before you get sick,” she urged.
“It’s critical, it’s almost impossible to make a thoughtful decision or have an in-depth conversation about what kind of care you want to receive during an acute crisis,” she emphasized.
Shoshana added that many people don’t realize that a hospice is not actually a physical place, but a type of support.
“It’s a philosophy of care that is provided wherever a patient lives, whether it’s at home, in a nursing home, we can provide hospice care even in a hospital, although that’s not typically the norm,” she shared.
“Palliative care can be a treatment in addition to chemotherapy or other forms of curative intent to best support families… to reduce suffering and focus on people’s psychosocial, spiritual and physical needs,” she said.
Shoshana added that many people do not realize that a hospice is not actually a physical place, but a type of support (stock image)
She added that many do not know the difference between palliative care and hospice care, pointing out that palliative care is a form of medical care for people with serious illnesses, while hospice care is a type of care for people who are at the end of their lives. .
She shared her own experiences caring for her father, who had pancreatic cancer, and said it helps care for the entire family.
“It provides emotional, psychological and even spiritual support,” she said.
‘This way, families can get advice, even respite care, to give them a bit of peace and breathing space.’
Shoshana also pointed out that the patient’s responsibility mainly falls to untrained friends.
‘[This is one] of the biggest issues, I think, with end-of-life care,” she admitted.
Shoshana talks about her own experiences caring for her father, who had pancreatic cancer, and says this helps care for the whole family
“Most people are not trained or prepared for the type of care they will provide to their loved ones,” she pointed out.
She urged anyone caring for their loved one to always trust the hospice plan and try not to feel too guilty if your loved one dies.
“So I think by trusting and following the hospice plan, you know you’re honoring your loved one’s dignity and making the transition as comfortable as possible,” she shared.
“I think, in short, shifting the focus from guilt to love and care can be incredibly healing when you’re feeling guilty.
“It’s so incredibly normal for everyone to have this experience,” she assured. “But I would just say that I want to give people permission to really let go of their guilt.”
Shoshana is so passionate about advocating for end-of-life care that she founded End Well: a nonprofit organization committed to the belief that all people should experience the end of life in a way that aligns with their values and goals.