The decision to begin hospice care often is an emotional one, but it’s rooted in a desire for peace, comfort and dignity. "Hospice care typically is considered when a patient has an end-stage or terminal disease that is affecting quality of life. At that point, the patient, either from necessity or by choice, just wants to be comfortable and let the natural end-of-life process occur," explained Katie Myers, an advanced practice nurse at Blount Memorial Hospice and Palliative Care.
Hospice care focuses on ensuring that a patient’s final days, weeks or years are spent with the highest possible quality of life. The first step in hospice care is developing a personalized plan. "The hospice team works with the patient and his or her family to create a care plan," said Myers. "This includes discussing medications, whether to continue them and how to best manage symptoms. Hospice care also offers social and spiritual support to address the whole well-being of patients and their loved ones," she added.
One key concern for families is understanding who provides the care. Usually, the hospice team is made up of a team of medical professionals. "Routine visits are made by hospice nurses, bath aides if needed, social workers, chaplains and nurse practitioners. We also have volunteers who visit as necessary. Even if not everyone visits regularly, the interdisciplinary hospice team is in constant communication, ensuring everyone is aware of the patient’s condition and needs," Myers notes.
The decision to begin hospice usually is made after a thorough evaluation. "A nurse practitioner reviews the patient’s disease and prognosis with the hospice medical director. Then, hospice is offered to the patient and his or her family. Ultimately, the decision comes down to when the patient feels it’s the right time," Myers said.
While hospice was once associated primarily with cancer patients, today, conditions such as Alzheimer’s and other nervous system disorders are more common hospice diagnoses than cancer or heart disease. “Patients can stay in hospice as long as their disease progresses and their functional abilities decline. I’ve had patients in hospice for two to three years, and I think it's wonderful that they can receive that care for so long. Cases like former President Jimmy Carter’s, where he’s been on hospice for more than a year, highlight the importance of focusing on quality of life, not a timeline," Myers emphasized.
According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, more people have been choosing hospice care. Since 2010, the percentage of patients electing hospice before their death has risen from the mid-40 percent range to more than 50 percent for those ages 75 and older. This trend is seen across ethnic groups, showing that families increasingly recognize the comfort hospice provides. The average length of stay in hospice care also has increased over the years, from 87 days in 2010 to around 95 days in 2022. This reflects an understanding that hospice care isn't about how long someone has left to live but rather about ensuring he or she has the support, comfort and quality of life envisioned when battling disease.
If you or a loved one are considering hospice or palliative care or need more information, call Blount Memorial Hospice and Palliative Care at 865-977-5702.
