*Diana Cazier will be sharing a weekly post on Hospice on our blog. Please check back every Monday for her informative articles.
Death, although an inevitable end for each of us, is often a difficult subject to discuss. The prospect of a terminal disease or knowledge that the end of a life is coming faster than we would have planned is probably one of the most stressful times we will face in our lifetime. Research has shown that the top concerns of Americans for loved ones that have less than six months to live are: 1. Make sure that the wishes of the person are honored. 2. That they have some choice in the types of services they can receive. 3. Pain control is tailored to the patient’s wishes, and 4. Emotional support is available for the patient and the family.
Research has also shown that 80% of those polled, if given the opportunity would want to die at home rather than in a hospital or other health care facility. Out of the 2.4 million people that die in America each year only 25% actually die at home. In contrast to that, of the 700,000 patients who receive Hospice care, over 75% of them will die at home (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization).
Why don’t more people turn to Hospice?
1. Expense – Many people, when faced with medical concerns will automatically ask themselves, “How are we going to pay for this?” While this should not be a factor when trying to determine a treatment plan for a loved one, it still is. Medical costs can be daunting, and when faced with a catastrophic disease, can be impossible. The thought of adding one more medical bill to the number of bills already accumulated is something some may not want to consider.
What many people do not realize is that there has been a Medicare Hospice benefit since 1983. This benefit enables the patient to be on Hospice with no out-of-pocket expenses.
2. Giving up – For some, turning to a Hospice organization is tantamount to “giving up”. It is a difficult decision to decide that the best course of treatment is to forego treatment that will prolong life and just let the disease run its course. Fighting the illness or condition may not always be the best option for some patients. Especially those who have lived a long life and are ready to move on. The services that Hospice offers help not only the patient but also the family come to terms with the impending death. Turning to Hospice is NOT giving up on care.
3. Do not want to “take from” or “rely on” the Government – This is a statement that many Hospice organizations hear. These same people who choose not to take advantage of the Medicare Hospice Benefit are still using Medicare and Social Security. If these same people have been working during their lifetime they have been paying into the system the entire time. It should be understood that this benefit is a vital part of the Medicare program and something that has been earned.
4. Not aware of available services – Many people simply are not aware that Hospice is even an option. Unless they have experience with or know someone who has knowledge of Hospice they may not know of it. Hospice, by definition is for those who have a condition where the physician can determine that they have less than six months to live if their condition were to follow its natural course. Most people find out about Hospice when told about it by a physician or other health care worker. If not informed by the health care system they might not realize that this is an option.
The support that Hospice can provide fills the needs of the patient requiring the services as well as the family of the patient. Hospice truly does answer the concerns of those facing the death of a loved one.
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