Nothing to Lose, So Much to Gain
A 2007 study that looked at Medicare beneficiaries with some of the most common diagnoses leading to death, found that patients who received hospice services lived, on average, 29 days longer than those who did not receive hospice care. This study was published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management (March 2007). “With earlier referral to a hospice program, patients may receive care that results in better management of symptoms, leading to stabilization of their condition and prolonged survival.”
Families Wish They Had Known About Hospice Sooner
“I wish we had known about hospice sooner.” This comment is one that we hear often and one we always have difficulty hearing because a key element in providing excellent hospice care is time. Earlier referrals to Inspiration Hospice are imperative for the patient and family, so that they have time to focus on good quality of life.
Better Quality of Life
It’s no secret that life limiting illnesses and their treatments can cause unpleasant symptoms and side effects in many patients, which can seriously affect their quality of life. Controlling these is a prime concern for anyone facing a life limiting illness and for the people helping take care of them. Hospice care can address such problems as pain, nausea, poor appetite, weight loss, breathing problems, and even emotional concerns like depression and anxiety.