PLANO, Texas—Heart to Heart Hospice, a hospice care service provider, will recognize National Hospice Week from Monday, Nov. 11 through Friday, Nov. 15, a week that was designated by the National Alliance for Care at Home as a time to focus on the value of end-of-life care and the caregivers who serve patients and their families.
As the nation will also recognize Veteran’s Day on Monday, Nov. 11, Heart to Heart Hospice intends to provide comfort and support to veterans through its participation in the We Honor Veterans program, which works to increase access to care for veterans and meet their unique needs.
"In taking hospice care to our patients, wherever they are, we work together to reduce (emergency room) visits and break the cycle of unnecessary hospitalizations," said Kelly Mitchell, chief executive officer of Heart to Heart Hospice. "And while many people only consider hospice in the final days of life, hospice is ideally suited for patients and families for the final months."
Hospice care seeks to offer comfort and dignity to people facing life-limiting illnesses and allow them to stay in their homes. Using a personalized care plan for patients and their families, hospice is aimed at providing pain management and symptom control, as well as emotional, spiritual and practical support.
“It's important to have conversations about end-of-life care in a timely manner,” Mitchell said. “Our caregivers are trained to educate patients and loved ones on disease progression and to anticipate and respond quickly to any changes in condition."
Due to hospice care being covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance, Mitchell said every American eligible for hospice who wants the service should be able to access quality care.
