50 Hospice Care Facts & Statistics
November 16, 2023
Hospice care is a form of palliative care that provides comfort and support to individuals who are facing a terminal illness. Here are 50 statistics that shed light on the impact of hospice care in the United States.
Top 10 Key Hospice Care Statistics
- There are currently over 5,800 hospice programs in the United States. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- In 2019, an estimated 1.5 million patients received hospice care. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- The average length of stay in a hospice program in 2019 was 24 days. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- Over 90% of hospice patients were 65 years or older in 2019. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- In 2019, hospice care providers employed over 300,000 people. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- Almost 80% of hospice care is provided in the patient's home or a family member's home. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- In 2019, hospice care providers served patients in over 5,000 nursing facilities. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- Hospice care providers also serve patients in hospitals, assisted living facilities, and hospice inpatient units. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- In 2018, hospice care providers served over 700,000 patients in nursing facilities. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
Hospice Care Statistics
Exploring the realm of hospice care goes beyond its philosophy and delves into the factual landscape of this essential end-of-life service. By examining hospice care statistics, we can gain valuable insights into its growth, demographics, patient characteristics, and the length of stay in hospice care.
Growth of Hospice Care
The growth of hospice care has been significant in recent years, as more individuals and families recognize its benefits. According to industry data, the number of hospice care providers and the utilization of hospice services have been steadily increasing. This expansion reflects the growing demand for compassionate and comprehensive end-of-life care.
Benefits of Hospice Care
- Hospice care can improve the patient's quality of life by managing pain and other symptoms. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- Hospice care can also improve the quality of life for the patient's family members by providing emotional and spiritual support. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- Hospice care can reduce the use of emergency room visits and hospitalizations. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- Hospice care can also reduce the use of aggressive medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- Hospice care can provide patients with the opportunity to die at home, surrounded by loved ones. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- Hospice care can help patients and families prepare for end-of-life decisions, such as advance directives and funeral arrangements. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
Benefits of Hospice Care
Hospice care provides numerous benefits to patients and their families, focusing on improving quality of life during the end-of-life journey. Let's explore some of the key benefits of hospice care: improved quality of life, patient and family satisfaction, and cost effectiveness.
Improved Quality of Life
One of the primary goals of hospice care is to enhance the quality of life for patients facing terminal illnesses. Hospice care teams, consisting of doctors, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals, work together to provide comprehensive support tailored to the unique needs of each patient.
Hospice care emphasizes symptom management and pain relief, ensuring that patients are as comfortable as possible. By managing pain, nausea, and other distressing symptoms, hospice care can significantly improve the overall well-being and comfort of patients. This allows individuals to focus on spending time with loved ones, participating in meaningful activities, and finding peace during this challenging period.
Patient and Family Satisfaction
Hospice care is known to bring comfort and support not only to patients but also to their families. The holistic approach of hospice care involves addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their loved ones.
Studies have consistently shown high levels of satisfaction among both patients and their families with the care provided by hospice teams. The compassionate and individualized attention received through hospice care helps alleviate anxiety and provides a sense of security during a difficult time. Families often express gratitude for the emotional support, guidance, and education they receive from hospice professionals.
Hospice Care Providers
- The majority of hospice care providers are nonprofit organizations. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- For-profit hospice care providers account for less than 20% of all hospice programs. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- Hospice care providers employ a range of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- Hospice care providers offer a range of services, such as pain management, symptom control, emotional support, and spiritual care. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
Patient Demographics
- In 2019, 50% of hospice patients had a primary diagnosis of cancer. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- Other common diagnoses among hospice patients include heart disease, dementia, lung disease, and stroke. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- In 2019, 7% of hospice patients were under the age of 45. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- In 2019, 53% of hospice patients were female. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- In 2019, over 80% of hospice patients were white. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
Demographics and Patient Characteristics
Hospice care serves a diverse population, encompassing individuals from various backgrounds and age groups. While hospice care is commonly associated with older adults, it can also benefit individuals of all ages facing terminal illnesses. Patient characteristics may vary, but the primary focus remains on providing comfort, pain management, and emotional support during this challenging phase of life.
To gain a deeper understanding of the demographics and patient characteristics specific to hospice care, it is advisable to refer to reliable sources such as national reports or studies. These sources provide comprehensive data on age distribution, primary diagnoses, and other relevant information.
Hospice Care Utilization
- In 2019, over 80% of hospice care was provided in the patient's home or a family member's home. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- In 2019, 13% of hospice care was provided in a nursing facility. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- In 2019, 5% of hospice care was provided in a hospice inpatient unit. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- In 2019, 2% of hospice care was provided in a hospital. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- In 2019, hospice care providers served patients in all 50 states. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
End-of-Life Care
- In 2019, 50% of hospice patients died within 17 days of admission. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- In 2019, 70% of hospice patients died within 90 days of admission. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- Hospice care providers offer grief and bereavement support to patients' families for up to 13 months after the patient's death. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- Hospice care providers can also offer support for patients and families during the dying process, such as music therapy and massage therapy. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
Gaps in End-of-Life Care
Despite the many benefits of hospice care, there are still gaps in end-of-life care that need to be addressed. One of the challenges is the timing of hospice enrollment. Some patients may be referred to hospice care too late in their illness, resulting in a shorter length of stay and potentially missing out on the full benefits of hospice services. It is crucial to identify patients who would benefit from hospice care earlier in the disease trajectory to optimize their quality of life.
Another gap in end-of-life care is the coordination and continuity of care. As patients transition between different healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and home care, there can be a lack of communication and coordination between providers. This can lead to fragmented care and unmet needs. Efforts are being made to improve care coordination and ensure a seamless transition between different healthcare settings for patients receiving hospice care.
By addressing these challenges and working towards reducing disparities and filling gaps in end-of-life care, the hospice care system can continue to evolve and provide the necessary support for patients and their families during one of life's most challenging times.
Cost of Hospice Care
- Hospice care is generally less expensive than traditional medical care for patients with a terminal illness. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- In 2017, the average daily cost of hospice care was $179. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- Hospice care is fully covered by Medicare, and most private insurance plans also cover hospice care. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- Medicaid also covers hospice care in most states. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
Cost Effectiveness
In addition to the emotional and physical benefits, hospice care also offers cost advantages. Research has indicated that hospice care is often more cost-effective compared to other end-of-life care options. By providing care in the comfort of patients' homes or in hospice facilities, unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency room visits can be minimized, reducing healthcare costs.
Hospice care is typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. This financial support allows patients and families to focus on receiving the care they need without the added burden of exorbitant medical expenses.
Hospice care continues to play a vital role in providing compassionate and comprehensive end-of-life care. The dedication of hospice care teams, combined with the numerous benefits they offer, makes a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families during their final journey.
Hospice Care and COVID-19
- Hospice care providers have had to adapt to new protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as using telehealth for virtual visits. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- In 2020, hospice care providers faced challenges with obtaining personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff and patients. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of hospice care in providing comfort and support to patients and families during difficult times. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- Hospice Care and Advance Directives
- Hospice care providers can help patients and families with advance directives, such as living wills and durable power of attorney for healthcare. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- Advance directives can help ensure that patients receive the care they want at the end of life. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- Hospice care providers can also help patients and families with funeral arrangements and other end-of-life decisions. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
Hospice Care and Veterans
- Hospice care providers offer specialized care for veterans, such as assistance with obtaining benefits and support for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- In 2019, over 20% of hospice patients were veterans. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also provides hospice care for eligible veterans. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
Hospice Care and Diversity
- Hospice care providers are working to improve access to care for underserved populations, such as people of color and people with low income. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- In 2019, over 10% of hospice patients were African American. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
- Hospice care providers are also working to provide culturally sensitive care to patients of diverse backgrounds. (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
Conclusion
Hospice care is an important and growing field that provides comfort and support to individuals who are facing a terminal illness.
Hospice care providers offer a range of services, such as pain management, symptom control, emotional support, and spiritual care. Hospice care can improve the patient's quality of life by managing pain and other symptoms and can also improve the quality of life for the patient's family members by providing emotional and spiritual support.
Hospice care can reduce the use of emergency room visits and hospitalizations, as well as reduce the use of aggressive medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation. Hospice care can provide patients with the opportunity to die at home, surrounded by loved ones.
Hospice care can help patients and families prepare for end-of-life decisions, such as advance directives and funeral arrangements. Hospice care is generally less expensive than traditional medical care for patients with a terminal illness, and it is fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans.
Hospice care providers have had to adapt to new protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as using telehealth for virtual visits. In 2020, hospice care providers faced challenges with obtaining personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff and patients. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of hospice care in providing comfort and support to patients and families during difficult times.
Hospice care providers can help patients and families with advance directives, such as living wills and durable power of attorney for healthcare. Advance directives can help ensure that patients receive the care they want at the end of life. Hospice care providers can also help patients and families with funeral arrangements and other end-of-life decisions.
Hospice care providers offer specialized care for veterans, such as assistance with obtaining benefits and support for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In 2019, over 20% of hospice patients were veterans.
Hospice care providers are working to improve access to care for underserved populations, such as people of color and people with low income. In 2019, over 10% of hospice patients were African American. Hospice care providers are also working to provide culturally sensitive care to patients of diverse backgrounds.
Sources:
- National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. (2021). Hospice Facts & Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.nhpco.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2021-NHPCO-Facts-Figures.pdf
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/hospice-care.htm
