Making the Right Choice for You: Hospice Care vs. Aggressive Medical Treatment
By R. Bruce Dalglish of Philadelphia, PA
In review of recent trends, it appears that more seniors are using hospice care for their end-of-life choice. However, there is a particular noted increase in the number of seniors undergoing this experience, but for fewer days having come from an ICU experience. Most likely, this trend is reflective of a pattern that many people may be choosing hospice care as an afterthought rather than planning ahead.
Indeed, in review of the last decade, recent studies in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that hospice care has witnessed an increase in use, along with ICU use, repeat hospitalizations, and a growth in late health care transitions.
With the onset of serious illnesses and terminal diagnoses, next steps typically involve a series of very difficult and challenging questions and choices. Some situations evolve quickly, and others may span over an extended period of time. Each individual case requires personalized attention and care.
At All Caring Hospice, our commitment to excellence with regard to the quality of compassionate care for loved ones facing a terminal illness or injury provides a sense of relief to caregivers and family. Making the right choice for your loved one, choosing between aggressive medical treatment or hospice care, is a difficult decision.
It’s important to become informed about various hospice choices. Hospice care can be provided in an ICU/hospital setting, in a private home, in free standing hospice centers, and in long-term care facilities. Regardless of the location, the hospice philosophy subscribes to the belief that people have the right to experience their end-of-life without pain. This right is centered upon dignity and choice, and may or may not include additional procedures or treatments. This philosophy offers time for loved ones to spend with their caregivers and family, while hospice care experts provide support and peace of mind.
If you would like to consult with an All Caring Hospice expert, our staff is always available to help.
Telephone: 610.828.3455
Email: info@allcaringhospice.com
About the Author
A resident of Philadelphia, R. Bruce Dalglish has served as the Chairman and CEO of Alliance Hospice and All Caring Hospice since 2005. In this role, Bruce Dalglish oversees the development and strategic direction of both companies. From 2008 – 2013, Bruce Dalglish served on the Public Policy Committee of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO).
Disclaimer: All Caring Hospice blogs provide education information, not medical advice. Please consult with your medical providers when making end-of-life care decisions.