(11.20.24) "As November concludes and the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, this period presents a significant opportunity to reflect on the importance of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month," stated professional fiduciary and certified elder law Attorney RJ Connelly III. "Throughout November, hospice and palliative care programs nationwide have engaged in efforts to enhance awareness regarding the critical services they provide to patients and their families. The upcoming Thanksgiving week is a time for individuals to come together and express gratitude for the blessings in their lives. This is an appropriate moment to acknowledge these organizations' essential roles."
Hospice care represents a compassionate approach emphasizing comfort and quality of life, allowing patients to concentrate on what is most important: living fully despite a life-limiting illness. Conversely, palliative care offers a comprehensive support model that addresses the physical dimensions of disease and individuals' emotional, social, and spiritual needs. Both forms of care are intended to improve the quality of life during challenging times and support families navigating difficult circumstances.
Isabella's Story
In the blossoming warmth of spring a few years ago, Amelia found herself grappling with a profound loss—her mother, Isabella, had succumbed to the relentless grip of cancer at the age of eighty-seven. Isabella had roots anchored in the picturesque island of São Miguel, the largest gem in the Azores archipelago. “Mom spoke fondly of her cherished hometown, Ponta Delgada, especially as the years went by,” Amelia reminisced. “She adored the vibrant gardens and the serene St. Sebastian Church. Her backyard was a sanctuary adorned with lush hydrangea bushes, which she often praised, and photographs of them—radiant blooms captured in time—decorated her walls. The sight of those flowers brought her such joy.”
Isabella’s journey through a decade dominated by health struggles had been tough. A fierce battle against lung cancer in 2012 had left its mark, draining her strength and resolve. “After she triumphed over that illness, she vowed never to endure such a fight again, and our family clung to that hope,” Amelia recounted. “But in 2018, everything shifted dramatically. What began as troubling muscle aches and puzzling bruises turned out to be more than we had feared; the lung cancer had returned, and she was also diagnosed with bone cancer. This time, she clarified she couldn’t face treatment again.”
Amelia’s emotions were a whirlwind of anger and turmoil at her mother’s decision. “I couldn’t fathom why she would choose to leave us when there was still a glimmer of hope that treatment might prolong her life,” she expressed. “But when she gazed at me, tears shimmering in her warm, dark brown eyes, I recognized that this was her life, her choice.”
For the initial months, life unfolded gently. The family embraced every opportunity to spend time with Isabella, yet she preferred the solace of her home, pouring her energy into her modest garden. “But then, a sudden, fierce back pain emerged,” recalled Amelia. “The doctors delivered the devastating news—the cancer had aggressively spread to her spine. It was then that the reality of losing her began to sink in, ushering in a wave of sadness and anxiety.”
“The family reached out to our office for guidance,” shared Attorney Connelly. “I had previously helped them develop an estate plan, and I recommended a hospice care provider with whom we had established a strong rapport. I took the time to explain the fundamentals of hospice care and how invaluable it could be for the family during this challenging time.”
“Upon contacting the hospice provider RJ recommended, the response was swift and compassionate,” Amelia remembered. “The nurse, Denise, reassured us they would be there as needed, offering support around the clock. Meeting their team lifted a weight from our shoulders; I could see the anxious lines on my mother’s face begin to soften.”
As Easter approached, a time meant for rebirth and renewal, Amelia witnessed a stark decline in her mother’s health. “I tried to engage her with stories of the flowers slowly blooming in our garden, but she seemed distant and uninterested. Mom, who had always been impeccably dressed and groomed, now appeared haggard and unkempt. On Easter Sunday, she struggled to join us at the table, and an unspoken understanding settled in the room—the end was drawing near.”
For Amelia and her family, watching Isabella’s decline was a bitter reality far removed from the romanticized death scenes often portrayed in films. “Denise, our nurse, was candid about the process. Dying doesn’t follow a script; at times, it can be uncomfortably raw,” Amelia reflected. “Mom didn’t express gratitude for a fulfilling life with smiles and well-folded hands. Instead, it felt akin to having an infant in the house, but rather than thriving, we witnessed a life gently slipping away. The hospice team stood by us, guiding us through every painful moment.”
As Isabella approached the last chapter of her life, the weight of unbearable pain necessitated heavy sedation, and she drifted in and out of sleep. One morning, however, a shift occurred. “I arrived to find her eyes open, and there was a flicker of clarity for the first time in weeks. That morning, we engaged in a heartfelt conversation, holding hands as we shared a small meal. It felt precious,” Amelia recounted. “But she expressed her weariness and fell into a deep slumber after a while. Deep down, I sensed this might be our last meaningful exchange.” Just two weeks later, Isabella passed away quietly during the night, leaving behind a profound silence filled with memories of love and loss.
"It was both the most heartbreaking and profoundly surreal experience I've ever encountered," Amelia shared, her voice trembling with emotion. "I truly don't know where we would have been without the support of hospice. In those final days, my mom began to hallucinate, and she would often scream out, lost in her world. The hospice team was there for us around the clock, guiding us through those challenging moments. They taught us that while hospice cannot transform the pain of impending loss into something beautiful, it is important to face the reality that death can be difficult and, at times, quite ugly. This honesty was part of their incredible support; they were there for my mom and all of us, providing comfort in our most agonizing times."
Attorney Connelly elaborated on this sentiment: "Hospice workers step into the lives of families and individuals during some of their darkest hours, witnessing the raw emotions that can sometimes feel overwhelming and out of character. They approach each moment with grace, compassion, and professionalism. In these vulnerable times, they understand that everyone needs to feel comforted and safe."
About Palliative Care
Palliative care is a specialized form of medical attention designed for individuals grappling with serious illnesses, such as cancer or heart failure. This approach aims to alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being, allowing patients to receive effective treatment aimed at curing their illness while prioritizing their quality of life and the well-being of their families.
This type of care serves as a vital resource for anyone facing a serious health condition, including but not limited to heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and various types of cancer. Importantly, palliative care can be integrated at any stage of an illness and is often most beneficial when initiated shortly after diagnosis. One of its key advantages is the comprehensive support it offers, helping patients and families navigate the complexities of the illness and explore the various treatment options available.
A palliative care team consists of a diverse group of professionals from multiple disciplines, each contributing their expertise to provide a holistic approach to care. This team typically includes doctors, nurses, social workers, nutritionists, and therapists who work collaboratively to deliver medical and practical support and emotional and psychological assistance.
Palliative care can be delivered in various settings, including the comfort of a patient’s home, hospitals, long-term care facilities, assisted living residences, specialized clinics, and outpatient palliative care offices. Medicare, Medicaid, and numerous private insurance plans often cover these services. Additionally, veterans may find that the Department of Veterans Affairs offers relevant palliative care services, ensuring that those who have served our country receive the support they need during challenging times.
About Hospice Care
Hospice care is a specialized form of compassionate support that centers on enhancing the comfort and quality of life for individuals facing terminal illnesses. This type of care is distinct from palliative care in that it prioritizes the patient's comfort and dignity at the end of life rather than attempting to cure their illness. When patients enter hospice, they do so with the understanding that their disease is either unresponsive to treatment or deemed incurable and that naturally progressing, it is projected to lead to death within six months or less.
Engaging in discussions about hospice care is crucial at this stage, as it allows patients and their families to explore the array of services accessible to them fully. Rather than waiting until the end, initiating hospice services sooner can significantly contribute to creating more months filled with meaningful experiences and comfortable care for the patient and their loved ones.
Hospice care can occur in various settings, whether in the familiar comfort of the patient's home, nursing homes, hospitals, or even in dedicated hospice centers designed specifically for this purpose. The hospice care team comprises diverse professionals, including nurses, physicians, social workers, spiritual advisors, and dedicated volunteers, all collaborating to provide comprehensive support. They aim to address the patient's medical, emotional, and spiritual needs and assist family members and caregivers. A team member will conduct regular visits, ensuring that someone is always available for support at any hour, every day of the week.
Although curative treatments are discontinued, hospice care does not mean the complete cessation of all medical interventions. For example, a patient may stop receiving chemotherapy for bone cancer; however, if they are simultaneously managing heart disease that is responsive to ongoing treatment, that care will continue. One of the key benefits of hospice care is that it typically results in more effective pain management and a reduction in unnecessary tests or inappropriate medications compared to patients who do not use these services.
The hospice team is also essential in supporting families and caregivers throughout their journey. Nevertheless, the patient's everyday care remains primarily the responsibility of family caregivers. The hospice team offers training and guidance on providing the required care. It may also provide respite services, enabling caregivers to take breaks ranging from a few hours to several weeks, ensuring they can recharge and maintain their well-being while supporting their loved ones.
Health Insurance and Hospice
Hospice care is available for anyone facing terminal illness in the final stages of their life, ensuring that individuals from all age groups, whether insured or uninsured, can access these essential services. To understand the specific coverage options available, patients are encouraged to contact their insurance providers for detailed information. For those enrolled in Medicare, four distinct levels of hospice care are covered:
Routine Care - This care provides essential pain management and medical treatments directly in the patient’s home. It alleviates discomfort and supports rehabilitation, allowing patients to maintain their daily routines in a familiar setting. This approach fosters a sense of normalcy, enabling individuals to engage more meaningfully with their families and communities during treatment.
Continuous Home Care - In times of crisis, continuous home care delivers essential nursing support directly in the patient's home. This service is tailored to meet the urgent needs of individuals with critical health conditions, ensuring timely interventions by qualified nurses. With 24/7 availability, patients receive immediate assessments and personalized care plans, enhancing their well-being and providing security during challenging times. This specialized care model is a vital option for many families.
Inpatient Care - In cases where patients exhibit severe symptoms needing constant medical oversight, hospitalization or admission to an inpatient facility may be necessary. This level of care ensures continuous monitoring and treatment by healthcare professionals, enabling prompt responses to changes in the patient's condition. Hospitalization offers access to specialized equipment and resources, facilitating comprehensive care, including medication management and critical interventions for recovery. Close supervision is essential to prevent complications and manage symptoms effectively.
Respite Care - A valuable service designed to support caregivers who may feel overwhelmed. It allows patients to temporarily stay in an inpatient facility, receiving professional care in a safe environment. This temporary break gives caregivers a chance to rest and recharge, helping to alleviate stress and prevent burnout. Ultimately, respite care benefits patients and caregivers, promoting their long-term well-being.
By utilizing the various options available, patients and their families can secure the compassionate care and comprehensive support they need during this difficult stage of life. These resources can encompass a range of services, such as emotional and psychological counseling, palliative care, and access to support groups, all tailored to meet their unique needs. By exploring these avenues, individuals can foster a nurturing environment that addresses medical concerns and provides solace, understanding, and encouragement during their journey. This holistic approach ensures that patients and their loved ones are not alone in navigating the complexities of their situation.
Finding Services
Identifying the appropriate service provider does not need to be challenging. Please select the relevant image below to access a comprehensive database of providers available in your area.
A Final Thought
“Every year, nearly 1.5 million individuals facing serious and life-limiting illnesses find solace and support through palliative care and hospices across our nation," said Attorney Connelly. "These compassionate professionals are devoted to ensuring that patients and their families experience dignity, respect, and love during what can be life’s most challenging journey. The unwavering commitment of hospice and palliative care providers is a profound blessing, honoring those who navigate this difficult path with grace and empathy."
Please note that the information provided in this blog is not intended to and should not be construed as legal, financial, or medical advice. The content, materials, and information presented in this blog are solely for general informational purposes and may not be the most up-to-date information available regarding legal, financial, or medical matters. This blog may also contain links to other third-party websites that are included for the convenience of the reader or user. Please note that Connelly Law Offices, Ltd. does not necessarily recommend or endorse the contents of such third-party sites. If you have any particular legal matters, financial concerns, or medical issues, we strongly advise you to consult your attorney, professional fiduciary advisor, or medical provider.
Comments