Contributions from
Tom Koutsoumpas
in Features
As the health care open enrollment season is upon us, it’s an ideal time to discuss end-of-life issues with our aging loved ones and explore plans that best meet their needs. Although discussing advanced illness and planning, including hospice care, can be intimidating, having a proactive plan in place can ease the process down the road and help mitigate stress during difficult times.
Many of us postpone end-of-life preparations until difficult decisions must be made. According to an Ethos survey, fewer than half of Americans have talked about preparing for the inevitable with their loved ones, despite recognizing the importance of having a plan in place. Establishing a plan empowers our loved ones to take control of their lives as they age and to make informed decisions based on their unique situations. While we explore various health care options and benefits, we must reframe our understanding of non-traditional care, such as hospice, which is often misunderstood or overlooked as an early option. We owe it to our loved ones to remain open-minded and prioritize their best interests.
What is hospice care?
Seeking hospice care does not imply giving up on life, as many families assume. Instead, hospice offers in-home comfort and care, often for an extended period. Indeed, individuals who opt for hospice care frequently experience a longer life expectancy, improved mental health, and greater comfort than they would if transitioning in and out of a traditional hospital environment. Families often wish they had chosen hospice sooner, given its comfort, flexibility, and affordability. A notable example is former President Jimmy Carter, who has been in hospice care for 10 months and was recently spotted enjoying a car ride at a community festival on his 99th birthday. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, recently passed away while receiving hospice care at the age of 96, leaving a legacy of advocacy in mental and women’s health during her time as First Lady.
Understanding Hospice Care
Hospice care is undoubtedly an underutilized option that can relieve patients and caregivers of their overwhelming burdens. It is crucial that no one faces this journey alone due to skepticism surrounding costs or lack of information. According to Hospice Analytics, among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, our nation’s capital ranks second lowest in hospice care utilization.
As families navigate open enrollment and assess health care options for their loved ones, they should remain aware of common misconceptions about hospice care that prevent many patients with advanced illnesses and their caretakers from achieving a better quality of life. Despite greater life expectancy and increasing usage of hospice services, it is imperative to understand your options when determining end-of-life care.
Who can you talk to about hospice care options?
When considering hospice care, it’s advisable to consult with your physician or health care provider for referrals or discussions on various options. A survey by Capital Caring Health and WebMD indicates that 90% of individuals prefer to remain in their homes during their final stage of life. However, caregivers may often feel unprepared to deliver the necessary home care, resulting in hospitalization. While hospital care may be suitable for some during the end of life, it may not always be the best choice.
Though many believe that hospitals inherently provide superior care, hospice offers a compassionate alternative for those seeking more personalized attention. Highly trained medical professionals and care teams dedicate themselves to addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of both the patient and their families. A hospice team can deliver a comprehensive range of support that includes administering medication, managing symptoms like pain or anxiety, offering counseling sessions, facilitating grocery shopping, preparing specialized dietary meals, coordinating family gathering logistics, and performing household chores.
Once your physician makes a referral, you can schedule an appointment with a hospice provider for an evaluation from an admissions nurse to create a tailored plan of care based on the patient’s and family’s needs and wishes. Following the completion of the admission paperwork and the establishment of a plan of care (POC), hospice services can commence shortly thereafter.
What can be included in a plan of care (POC)?
A personalized POC serves as a roadmap reflecting the goals of both the patient and their family as they relate to the terminally ill individual. It should encompass emotional, physical, and spiritual support, and include directives such as a living will and power of attorney that outline preferences on medical decisions, funeral arrangements, and other medical directives to ensure that patient wishes are respected after their passing.
Who can qualify for hospice care?
Ultimately, it is up to the patient and their loved ones to make informed choices regarding their care. Fortunately, hospice care providers and physicians can offer guidance when navigating these challenging decisions. Usually, the decision about hospice care is made in conjunction with a physician, based on the patient’s life expectancy or prognosis, rather than age.
Generally, hospice care is the recommended path for patients of any age who have a life expectancy of six months or less or who have exhausted all other medical treatment options.
Is hospice care affordable?
Contrary to popular belief about hospice care costs, it generally offers an economical alternative to repeated hospital stays. In fact, hospice services are often available to patients at little or no cost.
A majority of Medicaid programs and various insurance types provide coverage for hospice care. Medicare Part A hospital insurance entitles a patient to begin hospice care by voluntarily opting in for the benefit, which carries no additional expense or a small co-payment. Even without health insurance, donor contributions and grants often offset the costs. By comparison, the typical hospital stay for Americans spans 4.6 days, accumulating an average cost of $2,883 per day, which totals approximately $13,261.
As we approach the 2024 open enrollment season, it’s an opportune moment to create an end-of-life plan for our loved ones, particularly those who may suffer from one or more serious medical conditions. Everyone deserves to navigate their end-of-life journey with dignity and receive personalized holistic care, regardless of their financial situation or background. Establishing a plan that minimizes anxiety while allowing patients and caregivers to savor their time together serves as the greatest gift we can bestow upon our loved ones.
Sharon Collins Casey is the Chair of The Washington Home Foundation, and Tom Koutsoumpas is the Chair of Capital Caring Health and CEO of National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation. Both nonprofit organizations serve the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region.
Disclaimer
This article was written by and presents the views of our contributing adviser, not the iBestTravel editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA.
