Janny Adkins

When I speak to families and patients about hospice care, they often express confusion, because they have the misconception that hospice care is only for those individuals who are very near death. This is one of the biggest misconceptions regarding hospice care.

Hospice care is for those individuals who have chosen to not pursue curative goals of their disease. This does not mean that “there is nothing more to be done.” It does mean that the focus of care is on management of the symptoms of the disease process, thereby allowing patients and their families to live and enjoy life as long as possible.

I often say to patients and families, “Let’s prepare for the worst, and hope for the best.” We want our patients and families to prepare for the possibility of death, but interestingly, sometimes when curative goals are abandoned for palliative care or symptom control goals, the patient’s physical condition may improve. The disease process is still present, but problematic symptoms that can often interfere with comfort care are controlled or managed.

Also, the requirement for admission to hospice care is an order from two physicians. The patient’s primary physician and an Alive Hospice physician certify that, if the disease process continues at its current rate, the patient’s life could end in six months. This is a statistical guess actually, and sometimes our patients outlive this statistical projection. When this occurs, we discharge the patient for extended prognosis. We celebrate.

And if and when their physical condition warrants readmission to hospice care, we admit them once again. Each day is a gift to be lived fully regardless of goals of care.

Janny Adkins is an Alive Hospice account executive who informs health care professionals, patients, and families about hospice care.