Hospice does not always mean the end.
Trinitie Kedrowski, RN, BSN, Nurse Consultant, Advanced Health Institute
Hospice is a great benefit that can assist families and patients. For some people when you mention the word Hospice, they think their relative is close to death and will occur very soon. Patients typically qualify for hospice if they have a life expectancy of six months or less. Hospice care focuses on comfort, symptom management, and improving quality of life.
Hospice adds another layer of care for the patient that could enhance their quality of life as well as reduce caregiver burden, whether that be family or professional caregivers with things like:
Music therapy
Massage therapy
Medication management
PCA care
Nursing support
Social work services
Bereavement support
Durable medical equipment
Caregiver education
Chaplain/spiritual support
There are several myths surrounding hospice in general such as:
Myth: Hospice is only for people who are actively dying.
Fact: Patients may qualify for hospice when they have a life expectancy of six months or less, but many people live longer and some even improve enough to leave hospice care.
Myth: Hospice is only for people who have cancer.
Fact: There are a variety of life limiting diseases that qualify for hospice.
Myth: Adding hospice services will make my loved one die faster.
Fact: Hospice will not make your loved one die faster. In fact, hospice has been known to improve the quality of life of patients by assisting with pain management and symptom management.
Myth: Hospice will only come to facilities.
Fact: Those who still live at home can benefit from hospice services. You do not need to live in a facility such as an Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing facility.
By working closely with hospice, nursing and providers can get patients enrolled in hospice services during the time when they most need it. Hospice is helpful in reviewing the patient’s chart and determining whether they would qualify for hospice services.
Healthcare professionals play a key role in educating patients and families about hospice and advocating for timely referrals when appropriate. Early conversations can help ensure that patients receive comfort-focused care, symptom management, and support for both themselves and their loved ones.