By: Wilma Peterson, RN
According to the American Lung Association, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Living with the symptoms of COPD, such as difficulty in breathing, can induce stress for both the patient and the family. Due to this, Doctors are beginning to call for earlier hospice referrals for these patients with COPD. If elected early, the benefit of hospice care can assist with symptom management, prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, and help patients achieve a better quality of life.
Patients with advanced COPD are eligible for hospice care, which is fully covered by Medicare, some private insurances, as well as assistance from Veterans Affairs. When hospice care is chosen early, patients have access to the appropriate care and medications, allowing for more restful periods and easier breathing. Identifying these factors early can relieve symptoms such as anxiety, panic, labored breathing, and intractable coughing that are uncontrolled with regular medications and traditional therapies.
Factors to consider when discussing the appropriateness of a hospice referral for a COPD patient include:
- The patient has a projected life expectancy of 6 months or less
- All therapies, including medications and rehabilitation, have been exhausted
- The patient has frequent emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to exacerbation of COPD
Eight benefits of early hospice referral for those with COPD
Electing the hospice benefit early allows for the expertise of a focused team of professionals:- Physician
- Nurses
- Social worker
- Chaplain
- Ancillary services
- Early intervention. The earlier the hospice referral is made, the more time it allows the patient and their family to select the right hospice company and be a part of the care plan.
- Managed care. A physician leads the hospice care team and can order the appropriate medications and therapies and cater to an individualized care plan for each patient.
- Skilled Nurses. A registered nurse will meet with the patient and family, and can admit the same day. The nurse will also reconcile all medications, put together a plan that focuses on managing symptoms, and provide relief of pain and respiratory distress.
- Hospice Aides. Health aides assist with normal daily activities:
- Washing
- Grooming
- Dressing
- Ambulating safely
- Other household chores, as needed
- Medical Social Worker. A social worker will support patients and families with accessing resources within the community, such as respite care, living arrangement and other services.
- Chaplain. Clergy works with the patient and their family to support psychological and spiritual needs, assisting them through the end-of-life, grieving process or any other related needs.
- Ancillary services. Other ancillary services like physical therapy and occupational therapy, strengthen muscles to assist with safety and allow for a sense of independence.
- Respite Care. Allows time for self-care and rest, which can help with a change in attitude and mindset in caring for your loved one.
Living easier with hospice care
Early hospice referrals means early management of symptoms by:- Having the appropriate therapy and staff when needed
- Avoiding the stress of emergency exacerbations and unnecessary hospital visits
- Providing a more individualized approach to the patient and caregiver
- Alleviating stress to allow time for future planning or ability to spend quality time