Hospice is a multifaceted, multidimensional concept of care for the terminally ill and their loved ones. It is based on the needs and desires of the individual patients and their loved ones. The care is patient-directed and oriented to enhance the patient’s life and support the family.
The goal of hospice is to care for the patient and family, not to cure the illness. Compassionate care impacts the patient by relieving symptoms of the disease and assisting the family members in coping with the care of their loved one.
Hospice neither hastens nor postpones death. Hospice exists in the hope and belief that through appropriate care, sensitive to the needs of the patient and their families, they will attain some degree of mental and spiritual preparation for death.
Evidence for Earlier Enrollment
Research increasingly shows that earlier referral to hospice or palliative care can improve outcomes, including survival in some conditions.
Examples:
- Studies of congestive heart failure patients found longer survival when hospice was started earlier rather than very late in the illness. (PMC)
- A study of advanced heart failure patients reported median survival of 402 days in hospice vs. 321 days without hospice care. (PMC)
Why Hospice Might Help People Live Longer
Researchers believe several factors may contribute:
- Better symptom control (pain, breathing, anxiety)
- Reduced complications from aggressive treatments
- Fewer hospitalizations and infections
- Better nutrition, sleep, and emotional support
- Caregiver support that prevents crises
In short, hospice often stabilizes patients rather than pushing the body harder medically.
Important nuance:
- Hospice is not designed to prolong life, but studies show it often does not shorten life and may extend it modestly for some conditions. (PMC)
- The biggest benefit consistently shown in research is quality of life for both patients and families.
Serenity Hospice & Home has been providing care since 1984. We serve the counties of Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, Winnebago, and the towns of Walnut and Ohio in Bureau County.
