End-of-life transition is a topic that many people tend to avoid discussing, but it is an important aspect of life to be considered. Whether for yourself or a loved one, planning for the end of life can provide a sense of ease and comfort during a difficult period. It is essential to talk about end-of-life transition early on, as it allows for making necessary preparations and getting a clear understanding of what is to come. Let’s go through what transition means in hospice and how you can ensure that your loved one’s final days are comfortable, peaceful, and meaningful.

Transition to death meaning

Transition to death refers to the final stage of dying, in which the body’s systems begin to shut down, and the individual’s health deteriorates rapidly. This stage can last from a few hours to a few days and is characterized by changes in the patient’s vital signs, such as a decrease in blood pressure and body temperature, and an increase in breathing difficulties. At this stage, a patient may become less responsive and eventually slip into unconsciousness. 

During the transition to death, hospice care and palliative care can provide comfort and support for the patient and their family.

Understanding the phases of death

There are several different ways to describe the phases of death, but one common framework includes the following:

  1. Pre-death phase: This phase includes the time leading up to a person’s death and can include a decline in health, the onset of serious illness or injury, and the decision to enter hospice care.
  2. Active dying phase: It begins when a person’s vital organs start to shut down. The person may become unresponsive, have difficulty breathing, and experience delirium or hallucinations. This phase can last for hours or days.
  3. The death rattle phase: This phase is characterized by a rattling sound caused by secretions in the back of the throat. This phase is considered to be the last sign of life.

Not everyone will experience all these stages, and they may not happen linearly. It is important to mention that death is an individual process and can happen differently for different people.

Factors impacting how long a hospice patient lives

Discovering that you or a loved one is terminally ill is never easy, and it can be difficult to know what to expect when it comes to the transition phase. Hospice care aims to provide compassionate treatment, alleviate stress, and improve the quality of life for patients and their families during the final stages of a terminal illness. 

But what are the factors impacting how long a hospice patient can expect to live? While it’s difficult to provide a clear answer, as every case is unique, certain factors can affect the length of time a patient may remain in hospice care:

  • One key factor is Age – patients under 65 tend to survive longer in hospice care. 
  • Gender also plays a role, with men more likely to die within six months of entering hospice care. 
  • The Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) is another important factor, as it assesses the patient’s ability to care for themselves and their overall quality of life. The higher the score, the greater the likelihood of dying sooner. 
  • Patient’s location. Patients admitted to hospice from a hospital are most likely to die within six months, while those admitted from home and nursing homes are least likely. 
  • The type of illness or diagnosis can affect how long a hospice patient may live, with cancer patients more likely to die within six months compared to those with other conditions.

How to get prepared for a transition phase

Saying goodbye to a loved one in hospice care can be one of the most difficult and emotional experiences. Knowing that a loved one is in the final stages of life can be overwhelming and heart-wrenching. It’s important to remember that the patient is still present and aware of their surroundings and may be able to hear and understand what is said to them. 

Everyone’s experience of transitioning is different, and there is no right or wrong way to say goodbye. 

For some, it may be helpful to express love, gratitude, and appreciation for the time together. For others, it is more meaningful to share memories and stories they can hold onto.

It is also important to remember that it’s not only the patient going through the process of saying goodbye but also the family and friends who will be left behind. It is essential to take the time to grieve and process the impending loss and to find the support you need to cope with it.

How long does the average hospice patient live?

Determining the length of time a patient will spend on hospice care can be difficult as it varies greatly based on the individual’s circumstances and the severity of their illness. According to statistics, only 12-15% of patients are expected to live for six months or more in hospice, while nearly half die within three weeks. Factors that can affect the length of time a patient will spend in hospice include their age, reason for entering hospice, and overall health. Additionally, patients referred to hospice care directly from a long-term hospital stay tend to have a higher mortality rate within the first six months of their stay.

Sum Up

By discussing end-of-life care and making plans in advance, you can ensure that your loved one’s final days are spent in comfort and surrounded by loved ones.

At Perennial Hospice, we understand that the end-of-life journey can be a difficult and emotional time for both patients and their loved ones. That’s why we strive to provide compassionate and individualized care to every patient who comes through our doors. If you or a loved one has received a terminal diagnosis and is considering hospice care, reach out to us. Our dedicated team of social workers and hospice nurses will work with you to understand your needs and provide guidance on the next steps for your family. 

Don’t hesitate to call us today to learn more about how we can support you during this challenging time.