Every April, we take time to recognize Patient Experience Week, a vital healthcare observance that highlights the commitment of providers, caregivers, and referral partners in delivering compassionate, high-quality care. For those of us in hospice care, this week is a special opportunity to express gratitude for the invaluable collaboration of medical professions like you – who trust us to provide comfort, dignity, and peace to patients during life’s most vulnerable moments.
When a patient is facing a terminal illness, their journey should be met with the highest level of comfort, respect, and support. The decision to refer a patient to hospice is never easy, but together, we ensure that their transition is seamless, compassionate, and focused on quality of life. By working closely with physicians, hospital discharge planners, skilled nursing facilities, and other healthcare partners, we:
Research consistently shows that patients who receive hospice care earlier in their disease trajectory experience higher quality of life, improved symptom control, and better family satisfaction (Teno et al., 2016). Studies also highlight that coordinated transitions to hospice can significantly reduce unwanted hospitalizations and aggressive treatments at the end-of-life, allowing patients to spend their final days in the place they prefer – whether at home, in a hospice residence, or a long-term care facility (Dixon et al., 2015).
Moreover, patient-centered communication and collaboration between referring providers and hospice teams lead to a 70% improvement in satisfaction among families and caregivers (Connor et al., 2020). This statistic underscores the critical role of partnerships in hospice care – ensuring every patient’s experience is defined by comfort, dignity, and peace.
Your dedication to patient-centered care does not go unnoticed. By partnering with our hospice team, you ensure that patients and families receive the respect, comfort, and guidance they deserve in life’s most precious moments. Your referrals make a profound difference – not only in the quality of care provided but in the lasting impact on the families left behind.
This Patient Experience Week, we celebrate you. Thank you for entrusting us with your patients and for your unwavering commitment to their well-being.
If you’d like to discuss how we can further streamline referrals, improve patient transitions, or provide additional support, we are here for you.
Let’s continue working together to make every patient’s experience one of dignity, peace, and compassionate care.
Connor, S. R., Teno, J., Spence, C., & Smith, N. (2020). Family perceptions of quality in hospice care: Findings from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Family Evaluation of Hospice Care Survey. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 60(4), 719-725.
Dixon, J., King, D., Matosevic, T., Clark, M., & Knapp, M. (2015). Equity in the provision of palliative care in the UK: Review of evidence. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 18(1), 3-15.
Teno, J. M., Gozalo, P. L., Bynum, J. P., Leland, N. E., Miller, S. C., Morden, N. E., & Mor, V. (2016). Change in end-of-life care for Medicare beneficiaries: Site of death, place of care, and health care transitions in 2000, 2005, and 2009. JAMA, 309(5), 470-477.
Download a copy of this article here.
When a patient enters hospice, care does not end at the moment of passing – it extends far beyond, reaching the hearts of those left behind. Our bereavement support team provides critical emotional and psychological assistance to families, caregivers, and loved ones, ensuring they are not alone in their grief. This is a vital component of hospice care that is often underappreciated yet profoundly impactful.
Our bereavement specialists are trained professionals who provide ongoing support to those who have lost a loved one. Their work includes:
Hospice bereavement support is not just compassionate – it is essential. Studies have shown that unresolved grief can contribute to mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and even physical illness (Shear et al., 2011). Additionally, well-structured bereavement programs have been linked to improved family coping mechanisms, lower incidences of prolonged grief disorder, and reduced hospitalizations for bereaved individuals due to stress-related conditions (Guldin et al., 2012).
Referring a patient to hospice means providing comprehensive support that extends beyond physical care – it ensures that their loved ones are supported long after they are gone. Our bereavement services are a cornerstone of this commitment, giving families the guidance and tools to process their grief in a healthy, supported manner.
We invite you to partner with us to ensure your patients and their loved ones receive the full spectrum of care they deserve. Contact us today to learn more about how our hospice team can provide unparalleled bereavement support, making a lasting difference for families in need.
Christakis, N. A., & Iwashyna, T. J. (2003). The health impact of health care on families: A matched cohort study of hospice use by decedents and mortality outcomes in surviving, widowed spouses. Social Science & Medicine, 57(3), 465-475.
Guldin, M. B., Vedsted, P., Zachariae, R., Olesen, F., & Jensen, A. B. (2012). Complicated grief and need for professional support in family caregivers of cancer patients in palliative care: A longitudinal cohort study. Supportive Care in Cancer, 20(8), 1679-1685.
NHPCO. (2021). Facts and figures: Hospice care in America. National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Retrieved from https://www.nhpco.org
Shear, M. K., Frank, E., Houck, P. R., & Reynolds, C. F. (2011). Treatment of complicated grief: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 293(21), 2601-2608.
Wright, A. A., Zhang, B., Ray, A., Mack, J. W., Trice, E., Balboni, T., & Prigerson, H. G. (2008). Associations between end-of-life discussions, patient mental health, medical care near death, and caregiver bereavement adjustment. JAMA, 300(14), 1665-1673.
Download a copy of this article here.
Every day, you rise to the challenge of bringing hope and resources to those who need it most. Whether it’s guiding a family through difficult decisions, connecting patients to life-changing support, or simply offering a listening ear – your work goes far beyond the ordinary. You are the steady hand when life feels overwhelming, the compassionate voice in moments of uncertainty, and the driving force behind the well-being of so many. Your dedication shapes the lives of countless individuals in ways that can never be measured. We see your resilience. We admire your selflessness. And we celebrate the impact you make in skilled nursing facilities, specialty practices, hospitals, and beyond.
We are so grateful to partner with you in making a difference. You inspire us to approach our work with the same passion and commitment to helping those in need.
From our entire team, thank you for being extraordinary.
Kidney disease ranks among the leading causes of death in the United States, with over 37 million Americans living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and millions more at risk (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [NIDDK], 2023). For patients who progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the challenges of managing symptoms, maintaining quality of life, and navigating care options can feel overwhelming.
When curative treatments are no longer effective or desired, hospice care offers a specialized approach to providing comfort, dignity, and peace during the final stages of life.
Hospice care is a holistic, interdisciplinary service designed to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. For those with ESRD, hospice care provides:
Patients with ESRD are eligible for hospice care if they meet specific criteria, such as:
If you have a patient or loved one facing end-stage kidney disease, hospice care can provide comfort and support during this challenging time. Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and help ensure the best possible quality of life.
Contact us today to learn more about how hospice care can make a difference for those living with kidney-related diseases.
Meier, D. E., Morrison, R. S., & Aldridge, M. D. (2023). Timely hospice care and improved outcomes
for patients with end-stage kidney disease. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 26(3), 250-260.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). (2023). Kidney disease
statistics for the United States. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov
Many people have questions about hospice care and what it really means. Unfortunately, there are common myths that can make families hesitant to seek help. Below, we separate the myths from the facts so you can make the best decision for your loved one.
Fact: Hospice care is designed to support patients and families for months, not just days. Patients who qualify for hospice may receive care for six months or longer, depending on their needs. The sooner hospice is started, the more support and comfort it can provide.
Fact: Hospice is about quality of life. While it does not focus on curing an illness, it helps patients live as comfortably and fully as possible. Hospice also provides emotional and spiritual support for both patient and family.
Fact: Hospice is for anyone with a life-limiting illness, including heart disease, lung disease, dementia, stroke, and many other conditions. If a doctor believes a patient has six months or less to live, hospice can help.
Fact: Hospice provides expert medical care, pain management, and symptom relief. A team of nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers work together to support both the patient and the family.
Fact: Hospice is covered 100% by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. Families do not have to pay out-of-pocket for hospice-related serviced, medications, or medical equipment.
Fact: Hospice can be provided wherever the patient calls home- whether that’s a private residence, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home. The goal is to bring care to the patient in the most comfortable setting.
Families often wonder about the differences between home health, palliative care, and hospice. Each type of care provides support, but they serve different purposes.
If you have questions about which type of care is right for your loved one, we are here to help. Making an informed decision ensures that your loved one receives the best possible support during this time.
As a hospice care provider, we understand the complexities and challenges of managing end-stage heart conditions. These advanced stages of heart disease can significantly impact the quality of life, making it essential to consider supportive care options that prioritize comfort and dignity.
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), patients with heart disease qualify for hospice care if their life expectancy is six months or less, as certified by a physician (CMS, 2022).
If you or a loved one is living with an advanced heart condition, consider how hospice care can help maintain dignity, comfort, and peace during this challenging time. Our team is here to provide expert care and guidance every step of the way.
Contact us today to learn more about hospice services for patients with end-stage heart conditions. Let us help you make the most of every moment. Contact us for details.
Blood donation is a simple act of kindness that can save lives. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, yet only about 3% of age-eligible people donate annually (American Red Cross, n.d.). Your donation can make a significant difference, not only for those facing surgery or trauma but also for patients with terminal illnesses under hospice care.
Patients receiving hospice care may require blood transfusions to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, or reduce discomfort during advanced illnesses. By donating blood, you help support families and loved ones in creating more meaningful moments together.
We provide compassionate care for patients with terminal illnesses, focusing on their comfort, dignity, and quality of life. We partner with families to offer emotional, physical, and spiritual support during one of life’s most meaningful journeys. Through community efforts like blood donations, we aim to enhance lives and build stronger connections.
Every act of giving creates ripples of hope. Whether through blood donation or supporting hospice care, your kindness transforms lives. Contact us today to learn more about our hospice services or how you can help.
As the holiday season approaches, many patients needing long-term care or rehab assistance may feel isolated. Imagine it’s Christmas Eve, and a patient recovering from surgery is alone, unable to attend their family’s holiday gatherings. Sending photos and videos can help a little bit — but it’s never the same. The same goes for patients in hospice care who are facing terminal illness.
For your patients in these scenarios, keeping patients at home for the holidays is an utmost priority. With our team, medical professionals can keep patients at home during the holidays so their loved ones can surround them. Keep reading below to explore how hospice and home health care can help your patients feel safe in their home environment.
Home Health Care can help your patients recovering from surgery or an illness, or help those with chronic conditions receive ongoing care in the comfort of their own homes. Our home healthcare service is an especially great option for patients who wish to remain at home for the holidays. Instead of feeling isolated in a hospital or healthcare setting, we take the care they need directly to them.
During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, many patients recovering from an illness or suffering from chronic ailments cannot safely travel to the houses of friends and family. As such, this means many family members come to them, sacrificing their normal holiday plans.
Instead, home health care can offer a solution to help the whole family, creating a memorable and enjoyable holiday season. This is especially important for patients who may be suffering from mental illnesses, such as chronic depression.
For patients with terminal illnesses, every day is special as time is limited. Patients on hospice care in healthcare facilities may feel especially isolated during the holiday season, even when family members come to visit them. Choosing home hospice care can help ease the holiday blues, creating a more comfortable and “holiday-inspired” atmosphere.
The inside of healthcare facilities often lacks the holiday joy that those in hospice care need during the season. Instead, patients’ mood and overall outlook can be improved by enjoying a holiday season at home, complete with decorations and memories.
Enjoying the holiday season at home can provide a sense of normalcy for patients in hospice care, creating memories for the whole family. We offer personalized hospice care to meet each patient’s individual needs and deliver a focused care plan that supports a patient’s dignity and preferences. Our exceptional staff meets the physical and emotional needs of patients, which can help reduce the loneliness and anxiety that is common during the holiday season.
Keeping your patients at home during the holiday season is especially important. With the help of our hospice care and home health care, patients recovering from surgeries or illnesses or those on hospice can enjoy family holiday events in a place they feel most comfortable.
With our help, keeping your patients safe in their home environment is possible. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can work together to improve this holiday season for your patients.
