Resources

In healthcare, we frequently discuss "patient experience" as a measure of quality, but what about the experience of families? Families play a vital role in the care journey, and their experience can profoundly influence both patient outcomes and overall satisfaction. Terms like "family experience" and "family engagement" may seem interchangeable, but they represent two essential and distinct aspects of healthcare that impact the well-being of patients and their families alike.

In hospice care, family caregivers are the backbone of support for patients and play a pivotal role in shaping their experiences. Caregivers’ insights and experiences are crucial to making critical decisions about choosing care options, communicating with clinical caregivers, and influencing hospice reviews and referrals. And as online platforms where families share their experiences continue to grow, the influence of family caregivers on the success of hospice organizations is becoming increasingly important.

Addressing challenges in home health starts with improving the experience of the patient and their family. Betterleave is a family experience platform designed to support home health agencies by enhancing communication and providing resources to family caregivers. Betterleave’s platform acts as an extension of the home health team, offering proactive, digital communications.

For hospice providers, investing in the family experience is not just an ethical consideration; it’s a strategic one. However, with staffing shortages, time constraints, and lack of digital communication tools - building a comprehensive family experience from the ground up may feel like an expensive, daunting task.

Grief is deeply personal and multifaceted, requiring tailored support that addresses its unique emotional, social, and psychological impacts. Specialized grief care offers personalized, nuanced support beyond general mental health services.

Hospice and healthcare providers have a crucial role in offering continued support to grieving families. Understanding and embracing this responsibility not only helps families heal but also strengthens the trust and reputation of the hospice facility.