Many people know the benefits of hospice care, expert symptom management, emotional support, spiritual support, help for both the patient and caregiver, and help with advanced directives. Unfortunately, most patients are referred to hospice late in the disease process. Even more unfortunate, some are referred so late in the disease process, they cannot fully realize how much of an impact hospice can make on both physical and emotional comfort, as well as the increase in quality of life.
The earlier in the disease process a patient is referred to hospice care, the more benefits he/she receives! In a study done a few years ago based on St. Anthony’s Hospice interdisciplinary team visits, we determined the following:
| IN THE PROGRAM 6 MONTHS | IN THE PROGRAM 2 WEEKS |
| 50 nurse visits to home | 4 nurse visits to home |
| 36 supportive calls by nursing staff | 3 supportive calls by nursing staff |
| 75 nurse aide visits | 5 nurse aide visits |
| 13 social work visits | 1 social work visits |
| 10 spiritual care visits | 1 spiritual care visits |
| 6 care center days for symptom management | 2 care center days for symptom management |
| 15 months of bereavement support to family | 15 months of bereavement support to family |
| 23 volunteer visits (if requested) |
Every patient is different, therefore every patient need is different. Some patients require more visits and some require less, this table is the average visits.
Our goal is to improve every patient’s quality of life! The sooner a patient is referred to hospice, the more benefits he/she receives.
If you or a loved one is in need of the extra help and support hospice care can provide, please give us a call at (270) 826-2326.
