Visiting Nurse / Hospice Atlanta Blogs

How Americans Die Now

Life expectancy in the developed world has been continuously increasing for decades, spurred on by medical breakthroughs, improved sanitation and greater access to medical resources. These changes have also led to differences in how and where people die. No matter what your age, it is never too early to begin thinking about the circumstances in which you would like to spend your final days.

Changes in How Americans Die

In centuries past, Americans died most often from diseases that could not be prevented or cured with the techniques of the time. For instance, in the year 1900, Americans were most likely to die from pneumonia, influenza, tuberculosis, digestive disease or heart disease. Today, however, Americans are most likely to die from heart disease, cancer, lung disease or stroke. Improved screening processes, lifestyle changes and better medical care allow today’s doctors to manage many of these conditions, giving patients better quality of life in their final stages of life.

As a result, life expectancy has increased. But there has been another major shift in how Americans die. Compared to the early 1900s, when diseases were likely to claim a person’s life after a relatively short illness, many Americans are now managing chronic diseases. Because of this changing face of illness, the end of life is more likely to come in a hospital than ever before. A full 40 percent of Americans die in the hospital, compared to 42 percent who die at home. Understanding your options when it comes to the place of your death can allow you to meet the end with dignity and empowerment, and how and with whom you choose to live your final days.

How Hospice Care Can Benefit Patients at the End of Life

Dying in a hospital provides access to needed medical resources, but it is often costly, with the average person’s final month costing more than $32,000. Entering hospice care provides an opportunity to end life in a dignified, comfortable setting. Not only does hospice care reduce unnecessary medical procedures and costs, it also is associated with greater quality of life compared to dying in the hospital.

Visiting Nurse Health System has long been a leading provider of hospice care in the greater Atlanta area, serving more than 10,000 families at Hospice Atlanta Center during the past 20 years. We provide top quality nursing care in your home or the place you call home – your residence, senior living facility or Hospice Atlanta Center. Contact Hospice Atlanta today to learn how our services may be appropriate for you or your loved one, or schedule a tour of Hospice Atlanta Center and its residences by calling 404-869-3000.

Connect with Us on Instagram
Today, we remember and honor all who gave their lives in service to our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication will never be forgotten. Forever grateful. 🕊️
#MemorialDay #HonorAndRemember #NeverForget #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem

...

4 1
🏌️‍♀️ We’re proud to be part of a great cause on and off the course!

Visiting Nurse Health System | Hospice Atlanta was honored to participate in and sponsor this year's LeadingAge Georgia Golf Tournament—an event that brings together healthcare partners and changemakers in senior care. 

This tournament helps sustain the vital work of LeadingAge Georgia, empowering member organizations that serve and advocate for our aging population across the state. It’s a privilege to be part of a community so committed to compassionate, quality care for older adults. ⛳️💙

#LeadingAgeGA #GolfForACause #SeniorCare #VisitingNurseHealthSystem #HospiceAtlanta #AgingWithDignity #CommunitySupport

...

6 1
🎉 Please join us in celebrating our Employee of the Month – Dykia Brummitt! 🌟

Dykia’s dedication, compassion, and positive team spirit make a lasting impact on everyone she cares for. Her commitment to our mission and values here at Visiting Nurse Health System shines through in all she does, and we are so grateful to have her on our team. 💙👏

Congratulations, Dykia—you truly embody what it means to provide care with heart! 🏆

#EmployeeOfTheMonth #VisitingNurseProud #HealthcareHeroes #ThankYouDykia #visitingnursehealthsystem

...

3 0
🎉 Celebrating Nurses Month continues with our incredible nursing team at Hospice Atlanta | Visiting Nurse Home Health! 💙🩺Here's our Home Health team celebrating this week! We’re so proud of our compassionate, dedicated nurses who go above and beyond every day to care for our community in the comfort of their home. Thank you for all that you do! 👏

#NursesMonth #VisitingNurseHealthSystem #ThankYouNurses #hospiceatlanta

...

3 0
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us last Saturday for Hospice Atlanta's 3rd Annual Resilience bereavement event. Whether you came to listen, speak, or simply be present, your participation helped create a space of healing, support, and strength.

A special thank you to our incredible speakers, who so generously shared their stories, insights, and compassion. Your words touched many and reminded us all that even in grief, we are not alone.

To every attendee — your presence was powerful. Thank you for showing up for yourselves, and for each other. Together, we honored our losses and found comfort in community. Thank you to our gracious volunteers and staff who supported the event operations. Let’s continue to walk this path together. 💛

 #ResilienceEvent #GriefSupport #ThankYou #HealingTogether #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem

...

3 0
💐Happy Mother's Day!💐

#mothersday #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem

...

3 1
Happy Nurses Week! 
Celebrating this week the incredible dedication, compassion, and resilience of nurses here at Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta and everywhere! 🌟🩺
Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, providing unwavering support and care to patients and their families. In 2025, we continue to recognize the vital role they play in our communities and their commitment to improving lives. Let's take a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation for these healthcare heroes. 

Join us in celebrating Nurses Week by sharing a story of a nurse who has inspired you or by simply saying “thank you” to a nurse who has made a difference in your life.

Thank You For All You Do!! Happy Nurses Week! 💙🏥 #nursesweek2025#healthcareheroes#ThankYouNurses#visitingnursehealthsystem#hospiceatlanta

...

4 1
Thank you Mutual of America for a great time celebrating our mission, Healthcare Champions, and new friends of Visiting Nurse at Mercedes Stadium.

#visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #communityfirst

...

4 1
We had a great time celebrating OT month, culminating this week with our 2025 Home Health OT Breakfast! 
Thank you OTs for all you do!

#OTMonth #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #teamworkmakesthedreamwork❤️

...

4 0
Space Is Still Available - Sign Up Today!

Join us for our 3rd Annual Resilience Event on May 17th, 2025.

This FREE event is designed to support those on the grief journey.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
• Hear from others who understand the grief journey.
• Engage in grief break-out groups for shared support.
• Receive tangible tools to cope with loss and grief.
Together, we can build resilience and support each other through grief. Registration Required.

#hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem #grief

...

5 1
As we continue to celebrate our volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week & Month, enjoy this message from one of our longtime volunteers and supporters sharing on why folks volunteer!

Barry gives to our community donating his time and talent in many ways impacting many around the globe, including helping individuals on their grief journey through TGBeyond! Thank you for all you do Barry!

#volunteer #volunteerappreciation #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #TGBeyond

...

4 0