How Hospice Improves Quality of Life
September 19, 2025 | Health & Wellness, Hospice, Kline Galland Staff
When you hear the word “hospice,” what do you think of? For many people, it means “giving up” and bringing on death faster. A few imagine it to be like institutionalizing loved ones. And some worry that it simply costs too much to be an option.
The truth is far from any of those scary scenarios. Studies have shown that hospice can actually extend life for those with terminal illnesses. A majority of hospice care (about 80%) happens in the home. And most insurance, including Medicare, covers the service. In fact, hospice is about living fully in the time that remains while prioritizing comfort, dignity, and meaning for both individuals and their families.
What hospice is
Hospice is holistic medical care for people who are expected to live for six months or less. A team of providers, including doctors and nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors, aides, and others, coordinate to care for physical, social, and spiritual well-being of the individual. They do not try to cure the illness or use medical treatments that prolong life, but focus on the quality of life for the remaining time.
All hospice patients face similar medical realities, but no two hospice journeys are alike. The person’s goals, values, and needs dictate the type of care. At Kline Galland, the multi-disciplinary hospice team meets weekly to discuss how best to support each individual patient.
Hospice also takes care of the family and loved ones. By maintaining a 24/7 helpline, offering bereavement services, and helping navigate the unknown, hospice can provide comfort, peace of mind, and even hope. How moments unfold in those final days can profoundly shape the grieving process. “People don’t have to feel alone,” D’Anna Edison, Bereavement Manager for Kline Galland Hospice explains. “Someone is always available for insight and guidance.”
What hospice is not
A common misconception is that hospice is only for those with just hours or days to live. D’Anna wants people to know this isn’t the case. “The reality is we can help prepare and support much earlier.” She points to former President Jimmy Carter as an example. He chose hospice in 2023 and lived well beyond expectations. And people can continue to receive hospice care after six months. Currently, only about 50% of eligible Medicare beneficiaries receive hospice care and about 33% who do receive the care spend less than seven days on it.
Another misconception is that because hospice is for those with life-limiting illnesses, all medications are taken away. While treatments intended to cure a condition (such as chemotherapy) are not available, medicines to ease pain and symptoms are available to support the quality-of-life goal.
Quality of life in hospice
So, what is quality of life when a person is on hospice? “Quality of life is really about understanding what matters most to each individual,” says D’Anna. “It’s also about recognizing what can diminish quality of life, like unmanaged pain or the loss of abilities–and then helping create moments of control when everything feels uncertain.”
That sense of control might be as simple as ensuring bills are handled or as nuanced as helping family members understand what is normal at the end of life. Hospice staff ask: What can make this day better? Then, they build care plans around the answer.
One recent story stands out. A wife was caring for her husband on hospice at home. During one visit, a Kline Galland nurse recognized the wife was struggling to manage alone. The nurse helped the husband get transferred into Kline Galland Home, where staff could more consistently help with care. Relieved of the physical demands, the wife was able to focus on her role as a partner and companion, while being present emotionally.
Incredible people
For staff and caregivers, hospice is deeply meaningful work. “People often say, ‘Oh, I couldn’t do that,’” D’Anna reflects. “But for us, it’s an honor. We get to build personal connections and witness the individual’s lives, stories, strengths, and share a life of meaning.” She admits, “It really can feel selfish because we get to meet amazing people who have done incredible things.”
Families frequently share gratitude for the peace and guidance they received in such uncertain times. Hospice can be a touchstone to make the most of the final days. As D’Anna puts it: “It’s about giving everyone the opportunity for a ‘good end.’”
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Sources: interview with D’Anna Edison; American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine; NPR; Journal of Pain and Symptom Management; HFA
