The Benefits of an Early Referral

“I wish we had been referred to Hospice sooner.”

It’s a sentiment that recurs in the surveys returned to Hospice of Montgomery each year.

At any time during a life-threatening illness, and preferably before the stress of a crisis, it is appropriate to discuss all of a patient’s healthcare options, including hospice. Many physicians are hesitant to talk to their patients about hospice for fear of destroying their hope; however, many patients and families are relieved to have their physician initiate the conversation so that they can maximize their quality of life. But sadly, while hospice care is most effective over a period of months, almost 33% of those served by hospice died within 7 days. (Source:

Koroukian, Siran M.; Fambro, Tiann (2008). "Hospice". in Loue, Sana; Sajatovic, Martha; Koroukian, Siran. Encyclopedia of Aging and Public Health. Springer. p. 441.)

Yet, by providing the option of hospice sooner, you as a physician can continue to make positive changes in the lives of your patients. Hospice is a positive option, one that seeks to provide comfort and freedom from pain and other symptoms. By understanding and accepting that death is part of the life cycle, Hospice of Montgomery wants to assist you in helping you patients make life its most meaningful until the end of life. Pain and symptom management is just one of the benefits of an early hospice referral. The others include:

• The patient can participate in all planning and decisions.

Before the stress of a medical crisis, early discussions about hospice can facilitate open communication and provide patients a choice and a sense of control. Early referral to hospice allows the patient’s family time to prepare for the changes they face, giving them time to say goodbye and decreasing the chance that the family’s grief will be prolonged and complicated.

• Pain and syptoms are addressed sooner and crises can be avoided

• Hospitalization can be reduced or eliminated.

• Advance directives can be prepared to avoid difficult decisions later.

• Patients benefit from sustained relationships with the hospice team.

Because end-of-life discussions are difficult, a Hospice of Montgomery staff member is always available to meet at your office and assist you in providing complete consultation about our services with the patient and their family.

Helping live each of life’s moments to the fullest, with those who matter the most. That’s what we do at Hospice of Montgomery. To find out more about Hospice of Montgomery and the services we provide, call 334-279-6677.