Showing posts with label hospice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hospice. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Hospice Use Increases But Not Integrated Into End-Of-Life Plan

Hospice Care Used More, But Often Too Late by Janice Lloyd.  USA TODAY.  February 5, 2013.

According to this study of Medicare records twice as many people died in hospice care as in a nursing home or hospital compared with a decade ago.  However, records of patient transitions indicate that the essential purpose of hospice, to address the holistic needs of dying patients, is not being fulfilled.  Hospice is often viewed as a the end point after intensive medical procedures have proved futile instead of part of a plan to fulfill the patients wishes.  What is needed is more communications with patients and an end to aggressive care at the end of life.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

12% of Hospices Refuse Patients Without Caregiver At Home--Survey

Why Some Hospices Turn Away Patients Without Caregivers At Home by Michelle Andrews.  NPR.  January 23, 2013.

42% of patients were living in a private home when they died.  Since family members can afford to leave work to care for the family member, the patient may be on their own.  While options can usually be found, a more common problem is that hospice enrollment policies may discourage patients with high-cost medical needs.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Hospice and Palliative Care: Different and Complementary

Evolving Roles of Hospice and Palliative Care.  Science Daily.  November 14, 2012.

While hospice care is generally understood as coming at the end of life, palliative care can also be useful at any point of recovery from serious illnesses in addition to end of life situations.   Palliative care seeks to improve quality of life, provide pain management and symptom control, provide emotional support and spiritual care.  Each role is discussed in the article.