| Hospice Can Do So Much More When It Starts Early
The reality is that rather than being a
harbinger of death, hospice is a unique
opportunity to make the most of the
time patients and families have left,
especially when it is accessed early
enough. Simply put, earlier hospice
referrals translate into better quality of
life for the patient and his or her family
and loved ones.
Unfortunately, even as physicians and
the public have become much better
informed about hospice over the last
few years one third of all hospice
patients start receiving hospice care
within the last 7 days of a patient's
life, and in many cases only on the
last day. For these patients there is little
hospice can do other than to return
the patient to the comfort of home
and get their pain under control before
they pass away.
{Download the entire newsletter to read more...}
Staying Connected
During a serious illness, with or without hospitalization,
it can be challenging for patients, caregivers, family and
loved ones to easily provide information and updates,
receive vital love and support, and stay connected during
a critical and often isolating situation. CaringBridge.org
is a not for profit website that enables patients, families
and loved ones to easily create free, personalized web
pages that connect loved ones during critical illnesses
and treatment.{Download the entire newsletter to read more...}
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