November is National Hospice/Palliative Care Month and in honor of this time of expanded awareness, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization released updated facts and figures about hospice care in the U.S.
Statistics Indicate GrowthAnnually, NHPCO reports on hospice trends and provides updated information on the field. Newly released data reflecting 2007 usage of hospice, indicates that:
- 38.8 percent of all deaths in the U.S. were under the care of hospice, up from 35 percent the previous year.
- 1.4 million people with a life-limiting illness received care from the nation’s 4,700 hospice providers.
- Average length of service increased to 67.4 days (from 59.8 days in 2006).
- 30.8 percent of those served by hospice died or were discharged in seven days or less.
- 13.1 percent of those served died or were discharged in 180 days or more.
For more information go to http://www.nhpco.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=5763.
The Bereavement Center is a program of Hospice of the Western Reserve - who's mission is to provide palliative end-of-life care, caregiver support, and bereavement services throughout Northern Ohio.
We are proud to be a part of Hospice of the Western Reserve and thank all employees for their signifcant contribution to so many lives.
