National Hospice and Palliative Care Month
By: Kasia Krawczyk
November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. Announced in 1978 by then President Jimmy Carter, the month was established to recognize the efforts of those who provide end-of-life care, and to help raise awareness of the growing hospice movement. Every year, according to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, nearly 1.6 million people living with a life-limiting illness receive care from hospice and palliative care providers in this country. These highly trained professionals ensure that patients and families find dignity, respect and love during a most difficult journey.
Both palliative care which is treatment focused, and hospice, which is comfort focused, involve an interdisciplinary team with a whole-person approach to care. While symptom control and comfort is key, high-quality palliative and hospice care also address patients’ social, emotional and spiritual needs. One 2010 study showed that palliative care significantly improved the quality of life of patients with advanced lung cancer: Patients reported reduced symptoms of depression, required hospitalization less often, and even survived longer.
Overall, hospice and palliative care have a lot of benefits:
Offers personalized care and support
Gives patient’s a sense of dignity
Lessens financial burdens
Emotional and spiritual support
Increased access and availability to health care professionals
Here is a short video on the benefits of hospice:
If you have any questions regarding hospice, please feel free to contact us at HOPE Hospice.
