On World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (and every day), our mission is to help the world better understand hospice and palliative care. When you talk with others about hospice and palliative care, we hope you have these key take-aways to share with them:

1.)  Palliative care is different than hospice

Many people are confused by the difference between hospice and palliative care – we understand. As Dr. Chirag Patel puts it, “all hospice care is palliative care, but not all palliative care is hospice care.” Dr. Patel explains more in “Palliative Care? Isn’t that Just Hospice?”

 

2.) Hospice and palliative care may extend days of life

Hospice does not speed up the dying process, as some may think. In fact, studies have shown it can extend a patient’s life since hospice and palliative care effectively manages symptoms. A family member noticed the difference in her mother’s quality of life once she was under our care. Read her story here.

 

3.) Hospice care is provided wherever you call home

Hospice is not a place, but in fact, a form of healthcare. Care can be provided in any possible patient setting. Our Chief Nursing Officer Mary Murphy explains more in this article.

 

4.) Hospice care is not just for the final days of life

Too often, patients and families seek support when the patient is days away from death. Many mistakenly believe that is the time for hospice when care should be considered months ahead of time. So, when is the right time for hospice? Read this article for clarity.

 

5.) Hospice celebrates life

Once in hospice care, staff and volunteers focus on providing the best quality of care to the patient, and to celebrating life and the joys that every day brings. We #CelebrateLifesStories with our patients, finding unique ways to fulfill their wishes. Read Mary’s story and how she celebrated her life with friends and family by clicking here.

 

6.) Not-for-profit hospices focus on care, not profit

Some for-profit hospices provide the bare minimum of care, enabling profits to go to shareholders instead of toward patient and family care. CEO Kent Anderson explains how Ohio’s Hospice and its affiliates make sure patients and families are the center of our care in this article.

 

7.) Care is available for families

Families need services to support them when a loved one is receiving hospice care. These services include grief support, counseling, caregiver relief, and more. Learn more about the care we provide families.

 

8.) A care team is available to support you and your loved ones

The care team in hospice is made up of many important providers of care to make sure every need is met for the patient and family. These roles include physicians, nurse care managers, STNAs, chaplains, social workers, pharmacists, therapists, and volunteers. Learn each of their roles by clicking here.

 

9.) All hospices are NOT the same

Did you know not all hospices have doctors and staff certified in hospice care? Or, not all hospices are Medicare-certified? There are among many factors that make hospices stand apart. Here’s a list recommended questions to ask when choosing a hospice.

 

10.) Hospice can be a rewarding career

Many think that a career in hospice is a depressing one – on the contrary, many hospice workers find fulfillment in helping a patient have a dignified death. Here are some comments from our own staff:

 

“I am so blessed by my patients – they teach me so much about life.” – Morgan, RN Care Manager at Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton

 

 

 

“I don’t want people to suffer – if I can bring some happiness to their life, that’s what I want to do.” – Sandy, Personal Care Specialist at Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County

 

 

Our affiliate Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton is the first hospice in the nation recognized for its efforts in creating a positive work environment where nurses thrive.

Did you learn something new about hospice and palliative care? Share this article with your friends and family!