Hospice care is oftentimes the most important step when it comes to people knowing that their loved ones are being properly cared for with compassionate and quality care in the last stages of their lives. It is important for people to realize that hospice is not to be looked to as a last resort for those facing an untimely death, but it is more of a place for individuals to go in order to seek out ways to improve their quality of life in their last days.

Key Takeaways:

• The main goal of hospice is specifically to ensure that the patient’s last few days, months, or years on earth are as fulfilling as possible.
• Many people have the misconception that hospice is just a place to die, when many patients are actually sent home because their lifespan widens after hospice care.
• Self-referrals are absolutely allowed when it comes to hospice care, whether it be inpatient or outpatient. You have the ability to seek out your own provider or facility.

“In fact, hospice care often makes a considerable difference for those with months to live.”

Read more: http://khn.org/news/shedding-new-light-on-hospice-care-no-need-to-wait-for-the-brink-of-death/