Hospice Tag

Hospice Atlanta has been involved with the collaborative project We Honor Veterans since 2015, a partnership through the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Veterans Administration. Our charge is to determine if our hospice patients have military backgrounds, help our veteran patients navigate their eligible VA benefits, provide education for staff on veteran care, and offer the patient recognition for their service.

When facing a serious illness, treatment options can be confusing. Some patients pursue aggressive treatment, while others choose to forego curative treatment and enter hospice care. However, there is another option called palliative care. Palliative care is often confused with hospice care, but it is not just for hospice patients. Many patients find palliative care a life-affirming, supportive option for dealing with their serious illness.

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.

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, which is a time to raise awareness about the care options available to those coping with life-limiting illnesses. At Visiting Nurse Health System, we recognize November as the start of the season when families begin to gather for the holidays. Our goal is to build awareness of the care and services provided by Hospice Atlanta, especially as loved ones seek support and quality time together at this time of year.

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...