Communication is crucial to creating the best end of life experience possible. We’re talking about what to say, how to say it, and when to say it.  Knowing how to communicate with their end of life workers helps patients and their caregivers to get better care. Patients and caregivers should feel comfortable talking about symptoms to their hospice team and asking questions. The professionals providing care can’t fix problems they don’t know about.  It’s also important to know what concerns need to be reported immediately and what information can wait.  The same holds true for the team members providing the care.  Patients and caregivers can be confused by medical jargon or terms.  Education should be provided in ways that are easy to understand.  Providing information quickly can also be very important.  Any instructions should be clear and concise.  It can be really helpful to leave a set of written instructions in the house for caregivers to reference when they’re providing care on their own.  And don’t forget compliments - saying something positive about the care someone is providing can make their day.  Good communication will influence the quality of care you provide - and the patient’s quality of life. Want to encourage a caregiver or say thank you to a friend? Order a customized care package from BeyondWordsCo.com. Find care packages and workplace gift programs for corporate gifting, employees, co-workers and clients here.  Read more about how Catherine Hinz founded BeyondWords here.  Connect with podcast host Helen Bauer at helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more information about hospice philosophy, end of life care, and self care for both personal and professional caregivers here.   Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak for your podcast, event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com.  Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)