The hospice ideology is directed toward meeting the medical, emotional and spiritual needs to individuals who have been certified as being terminally ill by a physician and having a prognosis of six months or less if the disease runs it normal course. The multidisciplinary hospice team of, nurses, physicians, social workers, chaplain, strive to provide support and comfort to both the patient and his family either at the patients home or a care facility. Hospice services are a benefit for those receiving benefits through Medicare part A. Health concerns that are not related to the hospice diagnosis can be billed to the patients other health insurance.
Enrolling in hospice does not mean that medical care is compromised. Rather, as recently reviewed in a AARP news brief, transitioning to hospice means shifting from one set of goals, namely finding a cure, to more emphasis on a quality, comfort focused end of life. Interestingly, some research suggests that Hospice patients who received hospice care lived on average 28 days longer than those not enrolled in this program. Hospice patients and their families are able to access services whenever needed. This might include a late night visit to insure that pain concerns have been addressed or to deliver requested medical equipment. Family caregivers can contact the team when they find themselves in need of support or respite services. It is not surprising to have read that there have been a number of studies with findings linking hospice care with a better quality of life for patients, a greater likelihood of dying in a preferred location, which is often ones home, and healthier grieving for family following their loved one’s death.
For many, a candid discussion about the inevitable can be very uncomfortable. Sharing specific preferences about care options should one be given a terminal illness may even exacerbate these feelings of unease. Avoidance, however, may negatively impact individuals and families as a lack of understanding of wishes and options may result in more aggressive than comfort focused treatment. As Don Schumacher, president of the National Hospice and Palliative Care organization writes “America is a death-denying society and the health care system wants to continue to treat and treat”. While progress is slow, conversations about the importance of advanced care planning are becoming louder. Medicare can now reimburse physicians for engaging patients in these very important advanced care-planning discussions. If not yet occurred, now, not later, is the time to talk with your health care professional in order to become more familiar with the “what ifs”. Therefore, if faced with decisions regarding treatment options, the end of life plan of care will be reflect your informed personal choices.
Marci Vandersluis is a licensed social worker and has a master’s degree in gerontology. She is employed as a care manager assisting older adults in the community connect with needed services. Email: marcirobinvandersluis@gmail.com.
Learn more online
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization: www.nhpco.org
National Hospice Locator (for information and certification status on Ohio hospices): www.nationalhospicelocator.com/hospices/ohio
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