Using Vetster to support hospice care

As the demand for compassionate end-of-life and hospice care grows, veterinarians are looking for new ways to provide this essential support to both pets and their families. Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life, guiding pets and their owners through a journey marked by empathy, dignity, and understanding. Vetster is a powerful tool for supporting hospice and end-of-life care in a way that’s accessible, flexible, and demonstrates a strong commitment to pet well-being.

Telehealth offers many benefits when used to support hospice care.

Easier compliance with frequent check-ins. Hospice care often requires frequent check-ins to monitor a pet’s condition and adjust treatments or interventions as needed. Vetster’s “Request follow up” tool makes it easy for veterinarians to maintain frequent check-ins, providing an added layer of support for pets and families alike. Instead of scheduling clinic appointments for each concern, pet owners can quickly connect with their veterinarian from home, ensuring issues are addressed promptly. Owners who select a Vetster subscription have the reassurance of knowing ongoing support will fit into their budget.

Less stress for pets and owners. In-person visits to a clinic can be overwhelming and stressful for pets, especially those in advanced stages of illness. Virtual care allows pets to stay in the comfort of their homes, where they feel safe and secure. The familiar environment not only helps reduce stress but also provides the veterinarian with a more accurate understanding of the pet’s behavior and comfort level. Using virtual care to support hospice care also provides a calm, uninterrupted environment, allowing for deep and thoughtful discussions about the pet's needs, quality of life, and future care.

Support for the human-animal bond. Hospice care is a deeply personal experience that goes beyond what is offered only in a traditional clinic. By using virtual care, veterinarians can help pet owners stay engaged in their pet’s care and play an integral part of the caregiving process. This support is invaluable during such an emotional time and can provide comfort, making it clear to owners that they’re giving their pet the best possible care. Vetster veterinarians can share their unique booking link to make it easy for clients to find them throughout their hospice journey.

Flexibility. Virtual care offers flexible scheduling options. In moments when pet owners might need urgent support, such as an unexpected turn, a virtual appointment can provide swift guidance. This flexibility is especially important for pet owners who may need reassurance or advice outside of traditional clinic hours.

Education and resources to empower owners. Effective end-of-life care often involves teaching pet owners how to manage pain, comfort, and symptoms at home. Virtual care makes it easy to provide support and coaching on palliative techniques, medication administration, and recognizing signs of discomfort in their pets. This empowers pet owners to take an active role in their pet’s well-being, giving them the confidence to provide quality care around the clock. Vetster’s file-sharing tools not only make it easy to share resources, they also streamline continuity of care between virtual and traditional care.

A safe, distraction-free space for difficult conversations. The sensitive nature of hospice and end-of-life care requires empathy, clear communication, and support. The dedicated space of a virtual care consultation can make these difficult conversations more approachable. Here, they can freely express concerns and emotions in a safe, familiar space. The virtual environment allows veterinarians to gently guide pet owners through complex decisions, offering compassionate support during each step. Read more about Vetster’s standards for virtual care appointments here.

Create a warm, supportive atmosphere. Make virtual encounters warm and personable. Start each session by checking in with pet owners on how they’re feeling, inviting them to share openly about their concerns or experiences. A compassionate and patient approach can make a significant difference, building trust and helping families feel genuinely supported.

Prioritize clear, sensitive communication. It’s essential to use empathetic and clear language when discussing a pet’s condition, care options, and prognosis. Consider providing links to useful resources, such as The Ohio State University’s “How Will I Know (when it’s time)” publication, or Lap of Love’s Online Quality of Life Assessment. Make summaries available after each session, so pet owners can review and absorb information on their own time. This helps clients with ongoing questions, reassures them that they’re not alone in this process.

Offer personalized care plans. Each pet’s hospice journey is unique. Use the dedicated time of a virtual care consultation to create tailored care plans for each patient, with specific recommendations based on the pet’s individual needs and preferences.

Engage with family members. End-of-life decisions often involve the entire family. Vetster’s synchronous audio-visual appointments can make it easier for other family members to gather around the pet and join the appointment. Including all family members in the conversation provides a comprehensive support system and ensures everyone is aligned in providing the best care for their beloved pet.

Follow up with compassionate check-ins. Discussions about a pet’s end-of-life care are often difficult. Use Vetster’s direct messaging tool the next day to check in and provide pet owners with additional comfort. Vetster self-promotion codes and the “Request follow up” feature make it easy for veterinarians to stay in touch, showing they’re invested in the pet’s journey and available for continued support. Such small gestures can make a big impact on families coping with the challenges of hospice care.

Hospice care is about comfort, dignity, and compassion—and Vetster’s features align beautifully with these principles. By enabling veterinarians to support hospice care remotely, Vetster allows pets and families to experience this care in a familiar and nurturing environment. It also gives veterinarians greater flexibility, the ability to conduct more frequent check-ins, and an avenue for engaging with pet owners in deeply meaningful ways.

Veterinarians who embrace Vetster for hospice care will not only enhance the quality of life for their patients but also build enduring relationships with pet owners, supporting them through one of the most challenging aspects of pet ownership. With Vetster, veterinarians can offer a compassionate approach to hospice care that truly meets the needs of pets and their families.

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