Celebrating National Hospice Month

This month, communities across the country are doing their part to spread the word that November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, and The Elizabeth Hospice is emphasizing the importance of the care that hospice provides for all, regardl

San Diego (I-Newswire) November 1, 2012 - This month, communities across the country are doing their part to spread the word that November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, and The Elizabeth Hospice is emphasizing the importance of the care that hospice provides for all, regardless of age, income or diagnosis.

A majority of people say they want to die at home surrounded by loved ones, but more than 70 percent of us die in hospitals and other institutions. Though the use of hospice has increased, only 41.9 percent of patients receive hospice care and often not until the last week of life, too late to attend to all the needs of the dying. The Elizabeth Hospice strives to reach all patients and families whenever end-of-life care is needed. Last year, The Elizabeth Hospice served 2,271 patients and their families.
National Hospice Month reminds us that the care we provide brings hope to help people live life as fully as possible, offers dignity when there is not a cure and surrounds families with love at one of life’s most challenging times.

National Hospice Month also serves as an important reminder that while there are many end of life care options, hospice provides the most opportunities to live life fully. Researchers found that the patients receiving hospice care reported a higher quality of life through the final course of their illness.
There’s an inaccurate perception among the American public that hospice means you’ve given up. When It’s really about living life to the fullest. Hospice and palliative care allows patients and their families to focus on what’s most important: living life and creating memories that can be cherished despite an advanced illness.

The Elizabeth Hospice wants to ensure that people understand that help is available and that’s why National Hospice and Palliative Care Month is so close to our hearts after decades of observance. November is a speical opportunity to educate and inform communities. So this month, Think Differently about what hospice is, to what it can be for your and your loved ones.