There is a common misconception that when a patient enters hospice, they have only days to live. While this is true in some situations, in many, patients may live for months on hospice.
Hospice is only for end-of-life care. But the referral can be made as soon as the patient’s doctor gives a terminal diagnosis with a six-month life expectancy.
Patients May Live for Many Months on Hospice care.
Getting a patient into hospice early once it is approved can be beneficial. Research shows that patients who enter hospice care may live up to 29 days longer on average than those who do not enter hospice.
This same study points out that people sometimes worry that palliative medications will cause hospice patients to die sooner. This is incorrect, and this false belief may cause a patient or their family to put off the move to hospice care. But avoiding hospice is more likely to reduce the patient’s lifespan than extend it.
There are cases where a hospice patient may even live longer than six months. Hospice care can be renewed as many times as needed.
If you want to maximize your loved one’s remaining time and quality of life, making the move to hospice sooner rather than later is wise.
Some Patients are Discharged from Hospice
Patients may be discharged from hospice for a variety of reasons. But one possibility is the scenario where they are no longer considered to be terminal. Sometimes patients improve enough in hospice care to no longer qualify. At that point, they transfer out. They can transfer back into hospice care if they receive a new terminal diagnosis.
Hospice Bereavement Support Continues After the Patient Passes Away
Another thing to know about hospice care is that it is for the patient’s whole family, not only the patient. Moreover, bereavement support for the family continues for up to 12 months after the patient dies. That means that hospice care spans the end-of-life period as well as the following year. Bereavement services include counselling support groups and additional resources.
Learn How We Can Help
Golden Rule Hospice can provide compassionate end-of-life care to your loved one along with bereavement support to your family. To find out more about our hospice services in Georgia, please give us a call at (470) 395-6567. We provide hospice care to patients throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area.
We live by the Golden Rule
Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
