Visiting Nurse / Hospice Atlanta Blogs

How Do Plan to Spend Your Final Days?

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.

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Today Is National Grief Awareness Day
📸 Let’s turn awareness into action.
📢 Text 'CampSTARS' to 71777

#CampSTARS
#GriefAwareness
#GriefSupport
#NationalGriefAwarenessDay
#NoOneGrievesAlone

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Our Camp STARS bereavement camp is designed to help those that have lost a loved one know they are not alone and that their feelings of loss are normal. This weekend family camp provides a safe environment for both children and adults to share their feelings, meet others in similar situations, and have fun while learning how to grieve in an emotionally healthy way. This year's camp is November 7-9, learn more here. https://vnhs.org/hospice-atlanta/camp-stars/
#griefawareness #CampStars #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem

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In honor of National Grief Awareness month...

Tag someone who’s been there for you during grief. 
Share your memorable moments of remembrance. 

#NationalGriefAwarenessDay
#NoOneGrievesAlone
#HealingTogether

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3 Days to National Grief Awareness Day, August 30. 

What Will You Do?”

📲 Click here and donate or fundraise! https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/CampSTARS 
Hospice Atlanta's Camp STARS Bereavement camp
#countdown
#CampStars
#griefawareness
#griefsupport

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Grief Can Look Like this. 
Grief is complicated — especially for children.
Grief Awareness Month: we invite you to please share your story and tag us to raise awareness this month!
#childgriefawareness #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem #hope

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Supporting our community as they grieve is important this month, National Grief Awareness Month, and every month here at Hospice Atlanta. 

Another way we support those who have suffered a loss is with Camp STARS- our weekend family bereavement camp. For 31 years, we've provided a safe environment for adults and children to share their feelings, meet others in similar situations, and have fun while learning how to grieve in an emotionally healthy way. 
Hear from our campers how important Camp is to their journey. 

📱Text CampSTARS to 71777 to support healing.
#hospiceatlanta#visitingnursehealthsystem#CampStars #healing

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August is National Grief Awareness Month. 
Grief isn’t something we ‘get over’ — it’s something we learn to live with. This August, please join along in honoring all who grieve, and let's raise awareness around grief, together.
#CampStars#griefsupport#nationalgriefawarenessday#hospiceatlanta#visitingnursehealthsystem

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💙 Compassion in Action. Care at Home. 💚
At Visiting Nurse Health System | Hospice Atlanta, we are your solution to healthcare and aging in the home. 
For over 75 years, we’ve served metro Atlanta with trusted healthcare in the home rooted in dignity, respect, and clinical excellence. We bring expert, compassionate care directly to the homes for every stage of your healthcare journey. From home health after an injury, surgery or life event, to safe & compassionate end of life care with Hospice Atlanta, we’re honored to be part of your care journey.

📍 Proudly non-profit. Proudly local.

Learn more or refer a loved one: www.vnhs.org
#HospiceAtlanta #HomeHealthCare #HospiceCare #AtlantaNonprofit #CompassionateCare #VisitingNurseHealthSystem #carethatcomestoyou

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Come and learn with us! 
Hospice Atlanta is a proud vendor at the upcoming Made Whole Senior Resource Fair and we'd love to see you there!
This even has Free Admission AND Free Parking! 
Come and learn from the best in Georgia's aging industry experts! #aginggracefully #seniorliving #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem

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It's been a great month celebrating our July Employee of the Month! 

Thank you Chintan! 
#gratitude #celebrate #service #MissionDrivenCare #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta

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Hospice Atlanta is expanding our team! 
We’re looking for compassionate, community-minded professionals to join us as Hospice Atlanta Community Specialists. This is a meaningful opportunity to connect patients, families, and healthcare partners with the supportive care they deserve.
Are you passionate about helping others navigate serious illness with dignity and empathy? 

Apply today! 
Send your resume to HR@vnhs.org.

Join us in improving the lives of those we serve — one family at a time.
#HospiceAtlanta #NowHiring #HospiceCare #HealthcareJobs #AtlantaJobs #MissionDrivenCare

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As we celebrate July 4th, we honor the spirit of independence that defines our nation—and also the dignity and freedom we strive to preserve every day for the people we serve. For 76 years, Visiting Nurse Health System has stood alongside Georgia families, helping patients remain in the place they cherish most: home.
Our work in home health and hospice care is rooted in compassion, choice, and respect for every individual’s journey. On this Independence Day, we recognize not only our country’s freedom, but also the personal freedoms we protect—by delivering care that helps people live and die with dignity, surrounded by those they love.
From our family to yours, Happy Fourth of July.
#choice #freedom #healthcarematters #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta

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