Our dedicated registered nurses, home health aides, social workers, and all our team in the field hear some of the same phrases every day, like “Thank you,” and “You are all angels.” Those are very appreciated, and the team works hard to earn those kind words. But there’s one phrase we hear more than we want to.

“I wish we started earlier.”

We hear that from patients and caregivers, especially family members, who are now receiving care after waiting for a long time (sometimes months or even years) to begin the hospice process. They say they wished they had started earlier, because they never realized how much support came from Centrica Care Navigators until they begin receiving service.

In a stressful, often confusing time, that medical expertise, education, and one-on-one support can make the difference between feeling lost and feeling confident that a loved one is getting appropriate care throughout the process.

More and more people are seeking quality hospice care for their parents, their friends, or themselves every day. For many, even thinking about dying or end-of-life care is uncomfortable and difficult.

Before it’s needed

That’s why it’s important to find out what a loved one wants for their own care before they get to the point that they need it. The earlier they start care, the more time you have to help them be comfortable. The expert professionals at Centrica Care Navigators partner with each of our patients, their caregivers, and their personal physician to share information on the most appropriate methods of care. They do what they can to make a patient’s time in care as worthwhile as possible.

It’s a common misconception that hospice is where people go to die, and that once they’re receiving hospice care, their life is over. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

At Centrica Care Navigators, our goal is not only to provide medicine and doctor visits to a patient, but also a comprehensive “circle of care”: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual care. The best way we can do that is by getting to know each and every patient individually and developing a plan to care for them that meets their needs and respects their wishes.

The more time we have to get to know your loved one, the more we can support them in their time of need.

When is the right time to reach out to Centrica Care Navigators?

· If your loved one’s doctor recommends or suggests that you look into hospice, give us a call.

· If your loved one is living with a serious, life-limiting illness, contact our team.

· If you notice that your loved one is having difficulty doing day-to-day activities that they easily did before, reach out to us.

We’ll help explain hospice care — what it is and how it can support you, your loved one, and those close to you — and discuss the best next step.

If you think it might be time to look into quality, compassionate hospice care, you know where to go. The sooner you reach out, the more time we will have to inform and support you, and the less time you’ll say, “I wish we started earlier.”

You can learn more by exploring our website or calling Centrica Care Navigators at 269.345.0273.