Why Starting Hospice Sooner Can Improve Quality of Life

Hospice care is a specialized form of medical care that is intended to provide comfort and support to individuals who are facing terminal illnesses. Unfortunately, many individuals do not receive hospice care until very late in their illness, often only in the last days or weeks of their life. Starting hospice sooner can improve quality of life for patients and their families.

Symptom Management 

First and foremost, hospice care is designed to alleviate physical symptoms and emotional distress associated with a terminal illness. By starting hospice care sooner, patients can receive symptom management earlier in their illness, which can significantly improve their quality of life. The hospice care team can help manage pain, nausea, and other symptoms that can make daily life more difficult. Hospice care also provides emotional and spiritual support to both the patient and their family, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Support and Education 

The hospice care team can help patients and their families better understand the disease process and what to expect in the coming weeks and months. Hospice professionals are trained to provide education and support to help families navigate the many challenges associated with end-of-life care. By starting hospice care earlier in the illness, patients and their families have more time to prepare for what is to come, which can reduce stress and improve their overall quality of life.

More Time Together

Starting hospice care sooner can also help patients and their families avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and invasive medical procedures. For many terminal illnesses, aggressive medical interventions are often no longer helpful and can cause additional discomfort and stress for the patient. Hospice care provides an alternative approach that focuses on comfort and quality of life, rather than curative treatment. By starting hospice sooner, patients and their families can avoid these unnecessary medical interventions and instead focus on making the most of the time they have left.

Hospice care sooner can significantly improve the quality of life for patients and their families facing a terminal illness. It is important for healthcare providers and families to have conversations about hospice care earlier in the treatment to ensure that patients receive the support and care they need to live their remaining days with comfort and dignity.

Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care provides care and support to terminally ill patients and their families. To learn more about hospice eligibility, please call 1-888-564-3405.

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