Hospice services are a special benefit, covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance companies, that can be provided to individuals and families dealing with a terminal illness.  Rather than focusing on aggressive treatments that might be painful or have a negative impact on a person’s overall quality of life, Hospice services focus on pain management, counseling, financial support, and physical care with the goal of improving overall quality of life and addressing end of life issues on an individual and family level. 

Hospice benefits are widely underutilized.  It is estimated that only 25% of those eligible to receive this benefit enroll with a Hospice company.  This is largely due to the fact that there is such a stigma associated with Hospice.  Many people are misinformed about what Hospice is and think that only those in hospitals, nursing homes, or residential care settings can enroll.  In fact, a person can receive the service in the comfort of their own home, the home of a loved one, or their environment of choice. 

Even more so are people misinformed about when it is appropriate to utilize this service.  Many would only consider this an option in the final days of one’s life, when actually the benefits of Hospice could be put in place as soon as a physician feels it is appropriate, and only then can the benefits be fully realized.  This does not mean a person should wait until their doctor brings up the issue.  Anyone diagnosed with a terminal illness should be proactive and inquire about how Hospice may help them cope with their illness.   

Another obstacle is that some individuals may feel that if a loved one enrolls in Hospice it means they have given up on life.  This could not be further from the truth.  Hospice can actually help the patient and their families enjoy life to the fullest extent possible. 

The fact of the matter is that Hospice is a wonderful program that can significantly add to the quality of one’s life if they are facing a terminal illness.  Hospice is not meant to be used only in the final moments, but rather it is a benefit that should be put in place when a person has opted not to have aggressive, life sustaining treatments, and wants to instead focus on pain management along with their emotional, spiritual, and physical well being.   There are several organizations that provide this benefit, and many will provide free consultation to those who have questions or an interest in learning more about how Hospice can help.

For additional information about Hospice services, providers in your area, or other Caregiver related issues, please contact your ElderCare Specialist at 314-802-5106 or hobrien@standrews1.com.