Every November, hospice and palliative care providers in Georgia reach out to our communities to raise awareness about the compassionate care that hospice and palliative care provide patients and families coping with serious and life-limiting illness.

This month of awareness provides an opportunity for us to remind people that hospice care and palliative support help patients and families focus on living.

This surprises some people.

Those of us who have worked in the field have seen firsthand how hospice and palliative care can improve the quality of life. And research shows that families report a better quality of life under hospice and palliative care. To further the surprise, there’s a growing body of research showing that hospice and palliative care may prolong the lives of some people who receive care.

The hospice team provides expert medical care to keep patients comfortable and able to enjoy time with loved ones. The hospice team answers questions, offers advice on what to expect, and helps families with the duties of being a caregiver. The team also provides emotional and spiritual support for the entire family.

With the help of hospice and palliative care programs, patients and families alike can focus on what’s most important—enjoying life together and living as fully as possible.

This important message lasts beyond the month of November and is important all year round.

If you or a loved one is facing a serious or life-limiting illness, the time to find out more about hospice and palliative care is right now. There is more that can be done.

Warmest regards,
Regenia L. Jones
Hospice of Southwest Georgia