Hospice Care: A Compassionate Approach to End-of-Life Care
It has been a year since Jimmy Carter entered hospice care at his home in south Georgia. In that time, he celebrated his 99th birthday, paid tribute to his late wife, and continued to be an inspiration to others. Jimmy Carter’s journey has shed new light on the realities of aging, dementia, and ultimately passing away.
Hospice care offers a compassionate approach to end-of-life care, as demonstrated by the Carter family’s experience. It provides holistic support for those who are seeking to live their final days as fully as possible without pursuing a cure for a terminal illness.
So, what exactly is hospice care? It involves a team of professionals – nurses, doctors, social workers, and grief counselors – who work together to assist each patient. While in-home hospice care involves periodic visits instead of round-the-clock care, it ensures that patients receive the support they need.
Hospice care is available to everyone, regardless of their social status. Medicare and most private insurance plans cover the costs, making it accessible to those in need. In fact, in 2021, 1.7 million Medicare recipients signed up for hospice care.
Contrary to popular belief, hospice care is not solely focused on heavy medication and bedridden patients. It involves stopping treatments and medications that aim to cure the illness, allowing patients to focus on comfort and quality of life instead. While each case is unique, patients may continue certain treatments based on their specific circumstances.
The length of stay in hospice care varies, with the average being 92 days for patients who passed away in 2021. However, about 1 in 10 people stay for more than 264 days, contributing to the majority of costs. Prolonged stays like these emphasize the need for coverage such as long-term care insurance, particularly for individuals with dementia who require specialized care.
Advocates, like Angela Novas, CEO of the Hospice Foundation of America, believe that the United States needs to change the payment structure for hospices to provide more treatments not covered at present. This could allow patients, such as those with cancer, to gradually decrease treatments to manage pain instead of abruptly stopping and resorting to strong medications that may have adverse effects on their quality of life.
It is worth noting that hospice care can be discontinued if a patient’s health improves. In 2021, 17.2% of patients were discharged. However, concerns have been raised about admission standards, particularly in for-profit hospitals with longer stays.
The Carters’ public journey has sparked nationwide discussions on end-of-life care, encouraging families across the country to have conversations about this important subject. Jimmy Carter’s resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that hospice care is not about giving up, but about accepting our mortality and making the most of our remaining time.
In conclusion, hospice care offers a compassionate and supportive approach to end-of-life care. It is a crucial service that should be available to all, regardless of their social status. By raising awareness and promoting discussions about end-of-life care, we can ensure that more individuals and their families receive the support they need during their final years.
