How can we help?
by Stephanie Patel, MD, Care Dimensions
Vice President and Chief Medical Officer
In my 12 years as a hospice and palliative care physician, the most frequent question I’m asked is: “When is the right time for hospice care?” Patients ask, families ask, even other health care professionals ask. There is no one right time, in fact, there are many opportunities to open discussions about patients’ wishes and even more importantly how the supportive services of hospice can improve quality of life for those living with a serious illness. While each patient’s circumstance is unique, there are signs that may indicate that now is a good time to consider hospice care:
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it is likely that you or your loved one may benefit from hospice services. Most importantly, when the goal of treatment begins to shift from curing the illness to providing comfort and focusing on quality of life, it is time to consider hospice.
People facing a serious illness are often overwhelmed by a multitude of physical, financial, emotional and spiritual concerns that the extra support of hospice services could alleviate. But, sometimes a simple call to hospice is delayed because of the misconception that hospice services are for patients who only have a few days left. Research shows that patients on hospice care can live longer, and with better quality of life, than those without hospice. In fact, in a November 2014 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association a study reinforced the benefits and value of hospice care -- patients receiving hospice care had significantly lower rates of hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, and invasive procedures at the end of life.
We hear time and again that patients and families feel relieved and incredibly supported once they have met with a hospice specialist. Knowing that they have a team to back them up, which includes a hospice-trained physician, nurse, hospice aide, social worker, chaplain and volunteer, allows the family to focus on living, while the experts help them plan and manage their illness.
The best way to assess if it is time for hospice is to talk with a hospice professional. Starting the conversation with a hospice expert early in the diagnosis enables the patient and family to have additional time to understand their options and choose the path that will have the most impact on quality of life. You should also know that you have a choice when selecting a hospice provider and not all hospice providers offer the same quality of services. According to Consumer Reports, there are six features to look for in selecting a good hospice:
At Care Dimensions we meet all six of the criteria above and practice a multi-disciplinary approach to providing medical, spiritual, practical and emotional support to patients with advanced illness who have a prognosis of living six months or less. The patient-centered care plan includes expert medical care, coordination of medication and equipment, 24/7 access to support, pain management, education and complementary therapies. We have grown to become the largest and most experienced hospice and palliative care program in the state, serving more than 90 communities and nearly 5,000 patients and families per year.
If you think the additional services and support that Care Dimensions offers could be helpful to you or a loved one, do not wait to call. Anyone can make a hospice referral or inquiry by calling us at 888-283-1722. For more information, visit www.CareDimensions.org.
Anyone—patient, family, care provider—can make a referral. Fill in the form online or call us today.
Since 1978, Care Dimensions, formerly Hospice of the North Shore, has provided comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals and families dealing with life-threatening illnesses. As the non-profit leader in advanced illness care, we offer services in over 100 communities in Massachusetts.
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