RESOURCES

Hospice Care Extends the Quality of Life

Hospice patients are those who have been diagnosed by a doctor as having six months or less left to live, but hospice is not a death sentence.

Patients can outlive their projected life expectancy and continue receiving hospice care when the illness they're facing is deemed life-limiting.

The primary objective of hospice care is to relieve the physical, emotional, social and spiritual suffering that often accompanies a chronic or terminal illness. When a cure can no longer be pursued, hospice allows patients to shift their focus to living out their remaining days peacefully and comfortably. Therefore, instead of using their energy to fight pain and discomfort, patients can use that energy doing things that enhance and improve the quality of their lives.

Rather than viewing hospice as scary or troubling, it can be viewed as a peaceful and natural way that patients can pass away with dignity and the loving support of family, friends and an interdisciplinary care team that helps them experience a pain-free death.

Adding life to your days

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) cites a study that found those who received palliative care lived, on average, almost two months longer than those who received standard care. Those patients also reported a higher quality of life through the final course of their illness. Those who received palliative care were also more likely to elect hospice services. This study adds to the body of evidence showing that many patients live longer with hospice and palliative care.

Hospice care gives life back to your days in the following ways:

Allows patients to remain in the comfort of their own home or any other place they call home (such as an assisted living neighborhood or long-term care center)
Decreases anxiety and stress levels
Provides effective pain management and relief
Restores dignity and control
Relieves the burden of medical bills
Gives access to a dedicated care team 24/7/365
Respects the wishes of patients during their final days

We encourage all families who are diagnosed with a serious illness to ask their healthcare providers about hospice and palliative care services. To learn more about hospice care and how it helps those who are suffering during their final days on life's journey, call Hospice of Southwest Ohio 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (513) 216-9853.

Next: How to Choose a Hospice Care Provider

Ready to talk about hospice care for you or a loved one?

The Hospice of Southwest Ohio team is here to help answer any questions or concerns you may have about hospice care, 24 hours per day, seven days per week at (513) 216-9852.

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