Debunking Myths: Living Longer with Hospice Care
When many people hear the term “hospice” they often associate it with end-of-life care and a short prognosis. However, recent research and expert insights show that hospice care is not solely about providing comfort in the final stages of life; it’s also about enhancing the quality of life and promoting longevity through comprehensive support and specialized care.
Contrary to common misconceptions, studies have shown that hospice care can indeed help individuals live longer.
A study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that patients who received hospice care lived longer than those who did not. The study analyzed data from more than 4,400 terminally ill cancer and congestive heart failure patients and found that those who elected hospice care lived an average of 29 days longer than those who did not receive hospice services (1).
This groundbreaking research challenges the notion that hospice care hastens death and underscores its potential to extend life expectancy through expert symptom management and holistic support.
Hospice care focuses on relieving pain, managing symptoms and improving comfort. By addressing these aspects of care, individuals receiving hospice support often experience enhanced quality of life, allowing them to live more comfortably for longer periods of time.
Hospice care takes a holistic approach to addressing patients’ and their families’ physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. By providing comprehensive support tailored to individual preferences and values, the Heartlinks hospice team empowers patients to live more fulfilling lives despite their illnesses. Coping with a terminal illness can significantly impact emotional and psychological well-being. Hospice care offers invaluable emotional and psychological support to individuals and their families, helping them navigate end-of-life care’s complex emotions and challenges.
Hospice care encourages open and honest communication about end-of-life preferences, goals of care and advance care planning. By engaging in these discussions early on, individuals can make informed decisions about their care and establish goals that align with their values and wishes. This proactive approach to care ensures that individuals receive the support they need to live their remaining days to the fullest, on their own terms.
Hospice care is not just about end-of-life care; it’s about living well and maximizing quality of life for as long as possible. At Heartlinks, we’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey toward living well with dignity and comfort.
Source:
- Connor SR, Pyenson B, Fitch K, Spence C, Iwasaki K. Comparing hospice and nonhospice patient survival among patients who die within a three-year window. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2007 Mar;33(3):238-46. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2006.10.010. PMID: 17349493.
