What is hospice?
Hospice is comprehensive serious illness and end-of-life care focused on pain and symptom management with the goal of optimizing comfort and quality of life.
It’s not about giving up—it’s about finding comfort and support in the final stages of life. Hospice provides physical, emotional, and spiritual care, making the journey more comfortable.
It’s about walking the journey together.
At Blue Ridge Hospice, our team of specialists and experts in end-of-life care works together with patients, caregivers, loved ones, families, and other healthcare providers involved in the patient’s care to design a Plan of Care tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes. Although a cure may not be possible, there is still much you can control about the kind of life you wish to live. We respect the patient’s and family’s choices, wishes, traditions, and values. We protect your dignity, and help you celebrate and complete your life in as much comfort as possible, surrounded by the people you love.
Who is hospice for?
When someone has a limited life expectancy or their health is rapidly declining due to any diagnosis, they may be eligible to receive hospice care.
Hospice care is intended for the last months—not days—of life. When curative efforts have been exhausted, someone is experiencing pain and discomfort, and/or more frequently visiting the doctor or emergency room, it may be time for hospice.
When is it time for hospice?
It can be difficult to know when it’s time to bring Blue Ridge Hospice in you or your loved one’s care plan.
It could be helpful to know that no doctor’s order or referral is needed—anyone can call us and inquire about starting care. Our expert staff is here and ready to help you navigate the process.
Some indicators that hospice care may be appropriate include:
- Curative efforts are believed to have been exhausted and someone is ready to live more comfortably and forego treatments aimed at prolonging life
- Someone’s health is rapidly declining—examples include progressive weight loss, a decline in mental wellbeing, or an inability to perform the activities of daily living
- Someone is experiencing pain and discomfort and additional comfort measures would improve quality of life
- Someone is experiencing more frequent physician and emergency room visits or hospitalization for symptom management or falling
