Janny Adkins

I am writing today about you taking the lead in speaking with your physician about hospice. Did you know that you can? Most people do not.

When a person (whether a patient or family caregiver) brings up the subject of hospice, often it is much easier for the physician to discuss this option. It can be difficult for physicians, who may be afraid that you or your family will believe they are giving up hope and abandoning you if they bring up the subject of hospice. If you bring it up, it gives them permission to offer hospice care to you.

Hospice care is not abandonment and does not represent giving up hope. Research continues to provide evidence that choosing hospice, with specific diseases like congestive heart failure, can help patients may live approximately 86 days longer than patients with the same illness who don’t have hospice. With cancer patients, the number of increased quality days averages 30.

For many who have exhausted all hope of a cure, what’s hopeful is for symptoms to be managed, and an increase in time to spend enjoying life.

A physician does not abandon you when he/she refers someone to Alive Hospice. A physician may choose to continue to be involved with a patient’s care. The Alive Hospice team communicates frequently with patients’ physicians. Your care and the care of your family is a collaborative endeavor.

If you would like further information on speaking with a physician about hospice care, please contact me at 615-332-4003 or e-mail me.

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