Medical Director Minute
Why the call to hospice shouldn’t wait.
The hospice philosophy of care focuses on quality of life. When a cure is no longer possible, hospice care is designed to treat the whole person and not just the disease. Thus, it behooves an individual and their loved ones to call hospice sooner. The patient and family can take advantage of all the benefits that hospice and its interdisciplinary team can provide. Unfortunately, per the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, in 2018, the average length of stay for Medicare patients enrolled in hospice was only 89.6 days with the median length of service being 18 days. Hospice of Southern Illinois can offer comfort and support for any individual with a prognosis of 6 months or less. This report shows the underutilization of this compassionate service.
Call Hospice Sooner For Comfort & Support
By collaborating with attending providers to discuss hospice care earlier in the course of a terminal illness, patients can often participate in all planning and decision making, allowing them to maintain a sense of control. Families then have time to prepare for the changes they will face. Further, it helps reduce the risk of complicated grief. The hospice care team manages pain and symptoms sooner. Therefore, ensuring improved quality of life, and crises can be avoided. Hospitalizations can be reduced or often eliminated. Preparation of an advanced directive helps avoid difficult decisions later. Perhaps the most important benefit is the sustained relationship with the hospice team for the patient and their family.
Hospice also provides a financial benefit by supplying all medical supplies, equipment and medications related to the terminal illness. Grief and bereavement counseling is another benefit for family members. When needed, pre-bereavement counseling will be initiated. Hospice social workers are experts at providing emotional, social and psychological support. Hospice of Southern Illinois has been your community, not-for-profit hospice for 40 years. We take great pride in partnering with your medical provider. There comes a time when compassionate care is the best care. Please visit hospice.org or call 800-233-1708 for more information.
Call Hospice of Southern Illinois to learn more about end-of-life care and hospice services, 800-233-1708. Request a chat,