Q. I read last month's "Help from Hospicare" feature, and I feel it may have overlooked an important point: that some people actually get better on hospice. I know of someone who went onto hospice services and lived more than a year after going off. It may not be too common, but it's still deserving of mention.Yes, it is true that some people can actually get better and "graduate" from hospice.
We know that those who utilize hospice care typically live a longer life than those who go through the dying process alone. In fact, a recent study shows that patients on hospice live an average of 29 days more than patients with the same diagnosis who are not receiving hospice services.
Hospice patients may live longer because they experience less physical and emotional suffering. After all, once someone starts hospice, they have access to a whole array of services aimed at meeting their medical, emotional and spiritual needs. With close and timely followup by the team, people's symptoms often improve and they are able to enjoy a higher quality of life. Some benefit so much that they are even able to extend their lives and "graduate" from the hospice program.
It's also important to remember that hospice is not about locking people into any one course of action forever. Patients are free to go off services at any time. For instance, if your doctor finds a new, promising treatment for your disease, you may choose to leave hospice and try the treatment. People always have the opportunity to go back onto hospice at a later time, if and when it is appropriate.
As with most aspects of our lives, the hospice journey is fraught with unexpected twists and turns. One thing you can count on is that the hospice team will walk with you -- offering support, guidance and caring along the way -- as you and your family traverse this strange and wondrous passage that we all shall meet at the end of our days.
Help From Hospicare is an advice column written by members of the Hospicare team. Every month we will feature one question in the e-news, and archive the rest on our web site. If you have a question about hospice care, pain management, spiritual matters at the end of life, bereavement, or you're wondering what to say to a friend who just entered hospice care, you can email us and we will answer it for you. All Q&A responses will be published anonymously, and anyone of any age is welcome to ask a question!
**Please note, if you need to speak to Hospicare staff or have a direct patient-related question, please call 607-272-0212.
This month's question was answered by Edie Reagan, Hospicare's Spiritual Care Coordinator.
Read the archives online here.
