Hospice Care Significantly Underutilized Despite Proven Benefits, VNANNJ Reports

Specialized hospice care has been accessible for patients with life-limiting illnesses in the United States for more than four decades, yet it remains significantly underutilized according to the Visiting Nurse Association of Northern NJ. The organization is focusing on enhancing public awareness of hospice services to address this gap in care that affects countless patients and families who could benefit from meaningful, multidisciplinary support during life's final phase.

Faith F. Scott, President and Chief Executive Officer of VNANNJ, emphasized the need for candid dialogue about this sensitive topic. "We're committed to leading a compassionate but candid dialogue about this sensitive topic that will foster greater understanding and dispel some lingering myths," Scott said. "This is necessary because while countless people benefit from hospice assistance every day many qualified patients and their loved ones are missing opportunities to receive meaningful, multidisciplinary hospice services."

Despite numerous studies demonstrating that hospice care can improve and extend the final phase of life, current utilization patterns reveal significant challenges. While most patients are eligible for six months or more of hospice care, the median length of time spent in hospice is just 18 days. Approximately 20% of patients are enrolled less than four days before they pass away according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Hospice Monitoring Report.

These statistics highlight the difficulty patients and families face in accepting that life has entered its final phase. Medical professionals also contribute to this challenge, with some physicians avoiding or delaying hospice referrals. A report in the Journal of the American Medical Association noted that "Death is the ultimate inconvenient truth, a conversation far too many doctors still go out of their way to avoid."

Scott encourages everyone to understand fundamental facts about hospice before a need arises in their own family. "Many are unaware that hospice is a life-affirming service and its purpose is not to hasten death," Scott explained. "Also, patients or loved ones designated to make their care decisions can request hospice if a doctor hesitates to make a referral."

Choosing a full-service home health care and hospice organization such as VNANNJ whenever home care is prescribed can prove beneficial long-term. For serious, prolonged illnesses or uncertain prognoses, these organizations are uniquely qualified to seamlessly transition patients from standard care to supportive palliative care and hospice when necessary. This continuity can greatly reduce stress, discomfort, and inconvenience for patients and family caregivers. More information about these services is available at https://vnannj.org.