Approximately 58% of Canadians who died in 2021–2022 received palliative care, which has been a significant increase compared to the last few years. Access to home-based palliative support has also improved. The healthcare industry allocates $344 billion to patient-centred care and quality of life outcomes. As a result, hospice care has emerged as a cornerstone of compassionate, dignified healthcare delivery.
Hospice care is an approach to honouring human dignity while providing exceptional comfort and support during life’s most challenging stages.
This type of care not only involves medical management but also considers an individual’s quality of life, encompassing physical, emotional, spiritual, and social aspects. Meaningful palliative care requires more than clinical expertise; it requires an understanding of individual values, family dynamics, and the importance of preserving dignity throughout the end-of-life stages.
Understanding Hospice Care Approaches
Hospice care is often considered when treatments are no longer beneficial or desired; the focus should transition to maximizing quality of life, managing symptoms effectively, and supporting both patients and families through this transition.
This type of care respects personal values, cultural backgrounds, and spiritual beliefs. This ensures that care decisions align with what matters most to the individual and their loved ones.
Patient-Centred Care Philosophy
This type of care emphasizes the right for a patient to maintain autonomy and choice. Families and their loved ones have the right to make informed decisions about their care, treatment options, and how they wish to spend their remaining time.
The Healthcare Case for Hospice Care
Research demonstrates that hospice care delivers a better quality of life outcomes compared to traditional medical approaches. Patients receiving palliative care report better pain management, reduced anxiety, and greater overall satisfaction with their care experience.
Hospice and palliative care in Canada also help to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency department visits through skilled symptom management and 24/7 support. Studies show that receiving palliative care before the last 30 days of life is associated with a 19% reduction in intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and a 6% decrease in the proportion of patients experiencing two or more emergency department visits. These outcomes underscore the role of hospice care in supporting patients, reducing strain on acute healthcare services, while promoting compassionate and dignified end-of-life care.
Choosing the Right Hospice Care Solution
Selecting the appropriate hospice care requires careful consideration of several key factors:
- Patient condition and prognosis – Understanding specific medical needs and expected palliative care timeline
- Care setting preferences – Home-based, facility-based, or hybrid palliative care arrangements
- Caregiver capacity – Assessing caregiver availability and comfort with hands-on care
- Provider expertise – Evaluating experience with specific conditions and service quality
- Cultural requirements – Ensuring alignment with religious, spiritual, and cultural values
- Geographic accessibility – Considering location, response times, and service availability
Ongoing Support and Care Continuity
Creating a regular care plan ensures that palliative care remains appropriate and effective as conditions change during the advanced stages of illness.
Effective communication between the patient’s loved ones and care teams creates a strong foundation for successful hospice relationships. Clear communication channels and regular updates ensure that people feel informed and supported throughout the care process.
By choosing quality hospice care that prioritizes dignity, comfort, and comprehensive support, people can navigate this challenging time with greater confidence, knowing their loved one is receiving compassionate, expert palliative care that honours their values and preferences.
Care Team Expertise and Service Quality
At Guarding Life, our team members are carefully selected for their specialized training in hospice and palliative care with a commitment to compassionate service.
If you or a loved one is facing a serious illness, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. We understand that every family’s situation is unique, and we’re here to provide the personalized, dignified care that honours what matters most to you.
Ready to learn more about how hospice care can improve the quality of life for your family? Contact us today.
