One of the most common myths about hospice is that patients who enter hospice die sooner than those who do not. In truth, patients survive longer on average if they enter hospice. A study showed an increase in longevity of 29 days on average for hospice patients versus those who never entered hospice. Here are some reasons why hospice patients tend to live longer.
- Patients finally get a break. Patients fighting a terminal condition may spend a great deal of time in various hospitals and clinics or taking transportation to and from numerous appointments. This process can be exhausting. When a patient enters hospice, they are no longer trying to treat the terminal condition. They can finally get some rest. For many patients, this reduction in stress can be very restorative.
- There is increased safety and monitoring. Sometimes, what ultimately ends the life of a patient with a terminal diagnosis is not the disease with which they were diagnosed, but a complication. For example, a patient with a terminal diagnosis could trip and fall, and their injuries could end their life. Patients in hospice are monitored frequently. They may also receive physical therapy and accessibility aids that increase their safety. As a result, many accidents and complications can be prevented altogether. But if something does go wrong, staff will arrive quickly to the scene of the emergency, which improves survival odds.
- Other conditions can receive treatment. Patients often have other conditions co-occurring with their terminal condition. These conditions may not be prioritized while treating the terminal condition. But once attempts at life-extending or life-saving treatments for that condition have ceased, more focus can be put on treating the co-occurring conditions. This can lead to improvements to other aspects of the patient’s health. These, in turn, may actually lead to a longer life in some cases. With the body less burdened by the co-occurring conditions, it can better fight the terminal one.
- Patients may discover renewed motivation to persevere. After entering hospice care, patients may no longer be trying to cure their terminal condition. But that doesn’t mean they have lost the will to go on. Hospice care can mean less pain and more comfort than patients have known in a very long time. With time and energy freed up, they can also engage more in meaningful activities and with their loved ones. These improvements in quality of life can renew the patient’s motivation to keep fighting for as much time as they can. This mindset may impact outcomes in a positive way.
Find Out How We Can Help
Entering hospice is not giving up; it is a choice that can maximize quality of life while potentially increasing longevity. Homage Hospice is based in McKinney, TX, and provides hospice services throughout Dallas County, Collin County and Tarrant County. To find out how we can help you and your loved ones, please give us a call at (469) 625-0705 to schedule your consultation.