Death with Dignity: Understanding the Value of Hospice Care

By Logan Winterton, RN, BSN

The number of seconds between John’s* breaths was growing longer and longer; I knew from experience his time was near and beckoned his family closer. We held our collective breath as John took his last, and I stepped back to give his family space to grieve. As a nurse, I have been present during hundreds of passings, but this death was different: it was my first as a hospice nurse, and it fundamentally changed how I perceive the dying process.

Hospice is a Medicare-elected benefit provided to those diagnosed with a life-limiting disease. Many people are familiar with the time frame of “six months or less,” but this is a common misconception because many more people can qualify for hospice. Hospice is often underutilized until the final weeks of a person’s life, robbing that person and their family of support and improved quality of life. Additional qualifying criteria include frequent hospitalizations in the past six months, recurrent infections, weight loss, or a significant change in cognitive or functional abilities. If you have questions regarding eligibility, talk with your primary care physician.

Hospice care is a collaborative effort and delivered by a core team that includes the hospice nurse, aide, social worker, chaplain, and volunteers. A hospice medical director is available and directs how pain and uncomfortable symptoms are managed. In my experience, earlier involvement with hospice care leads to better outcomes. It allows the patient and family to build a rapport with the team so that when the hard times do come, they feel comfortable leaning on the hospice team for support and trusting their medical advice. It also allows more time to establish goals of care and provide education to families on how to care for their loved one.

No one can prevent the inevitable, but the skilled, compassionate care provided by a hospice team makes all the difference in the final days. After many years working in the Intensive Care Unit, I was able with confidence that I helped someone achieve a “good death.” To the credit of those who work in hospitals, staff members try to make it a more comfortable setting. But there is truth in the saying “There’s no place like home.” Instead of the beeping of monitors and lying surrounded by wires and tubes, John spent his final moments hearing his granddaughter play piano while his wife and adult children reminisced by his bedside. Everyone involved knew what to expect, and knowledge removes so much fear from an already difficult situation. I won’t romanticize death, but having experienced both ends of the spectrum, I know what I would choose for myself and family.

Dixie Hospice consistently goes above and beyond in all aspects of patient care. Their team is dedicated and ready to serve each patient and family. Dixie Hospice is happy to answer any questions you have regarding hospice care at (435) 627-2724. Omnia Care is their new expansion into Mesquite, Nevada, which was recently established to better serve the local community. Contact Omnia Care at (702) 849-0585. Trust Dixie Hospice with your and your loved one’s care today!

*Name changed for patient privacy.

About the Author: Logan Winterton received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southern Utah University and has worked in a variety of settings, primarily intensive care. Three years ago, she made the shift to home health and hospice and assisted in starting Dixie Palliative Care. She finds deep satisfaction in making a personal connection with those she cares for and hopes to empower her clients through education to make positive changes in their lives.