Why Waiting for Hospice Until the Very End is Not the Right Answer
Insufficient Symptom Control:
Hospice care aims to manage pain and other symptoms effectively. Late referral can result in unnecessary suffering, as symptoms may become severe or complex by the time hospice care begins.
Reduced Quality of Life:
The goal of hospice care is to enhance the patient's quality of life. When referred late, patients may miss out on the full benefits of comfort-focused care and the chance to die in their preferred setting.
Increased Stress for Families:
When referral occurs late in the illness, families have less time to utilize the emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual support provided by the hospice team. This can result in greater stress, anxiety, and feelings of being unprepared for the death of a loved one.
Limited Time for Advance Care Planning:
Late referrals can limit the opportunity for meaningful conversations about end-of-life wishes and goals. This can also impact decisions about Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders, living wills, and power of attorney for healthcare.
Higher Healthcare Costs:
Late referrals may lead to higher healthcare costs, as patients may undergo intensive, costly treatments that may not improve their quality or length of life.
Increased Hospitalizations:
Without the support of hospice care, patients are more likely to have emergency hospital visits and admissions, which can be distressing for them and their families.
Lower Family Satisfaction:
Research suggests that families of patients who receive hospice care report higher satisfaction with end-of-life care than those who do not.