Hospice Service Diversification in 2024
In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, hospices are stepping up to the challenge by diversifying their services to meet the changing needs of patients and their families. A recent study highlighted on Hospice News sheds light on the innovative ways in which hospices are expanding their offerings in 2024. This shift not only improves end-of-life care but also emphasizes the importance of advance care planning(ACP) and re-introduces the concept of Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) as a viable model.
This study outlines various strategies employed by hospices to broaden their services, and one prominent trend is the integration of advance care planning. ACP involves discussing and documenting healthcare preferences to ensure that patients receive the care they desire, especially when they are unable to communicate their wishes. This proactive approach aligns with the broader goals of hospice care, promoting patient-centered decision-making and enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing serious illness.
Advance care planning plays a crucial role in this evolution, fostering open and honest conversations between patients, families, and healthcare providers. This is where Thanacare becomes a critical resource – our digital advance care planning platform can enable the efficient capture of an individual’s advance care plan in a manner that enables their wishes to be honored when it matters most.
A notable aspect of the diversification efforts is the recognition of the need for holistic care. 6% of hospices reported plans to diversify with death doula services, with the same amount voicing interest in launching advance care planning services. Thanacare COO, Sam Madison, recently wrote about the growing trend of hospices integrating end-of-life doulas into their workforce and the ROI associated with this movement. Hospices are expanding beyond traditional end-of-life services to offer comprehensive support that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. I am confident that this represents a shift toward a more patient-centric approach, where individuals are actively involved in shaping their care plans.
The study also introduces the concept of Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly(PACE) as a viable model for hospices to enhance their services. PACE programs are designed to provide comprehensive, community-based care to frail and elderly individuals who are eligible for nursing home care but wish to remain in their homes. This model aligns with the broader goals of hospice care by emphasizing the importance of delivering personalized and patient-centered services.
PACE programs are particularly relevant to advance care planning as they focus on supporting individuals in making informed decisions about their care preferences. By integrating PACE into their offerings, hospices can extend their reach and provide a continuum of care that extends beyond the traditional hospice model. PACE programs enhance the quality of life for participants and empower them to navigate their healthcare journey with dignity and autonomy.
As a practicing interventional neuro-radiologist, I am excited to see hospices continue to adapt and expand their offerings, the focus on enhancing the quality of life and empowering individuals through advance care planning remains at the forefront of their mission. Thanacare has proven the critical role of technology in facilitating advance care planning and improving access to hospice services. The integration of telehealth and digital platforms allows patients to engage in meaningful conversations about their preferences, even if they are unable to attend in-person consultations. Our tech-driven approach aligns with the changing dynamics of healthcare delivery and ensures that advance care planning is accessible and convenient for individuals and their families. This is precisely why we created Thanacare, to ensure patients have access to affordable ACP and can die on their own terms.
If you are interested in starting your ACP conversation, schedule with Thanacare today.