Hospice, Palliative and Home Care Leaders Chart the Path Forward

While November’s calendar page contains many holidays, the month-long recognition of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month and National Home Care and Hospice Month are important events to celebrate.

Although this past year has raised complex challenges for these care communities, it has also allowed organizations to showcase their flexibility and strength on the national stage. When COVID-19 demanded that hospice, home care and palliative organizations abide by new regulations and restrictions with immediacy, these organizations unflinchingly answered the call.

As a new year breaches the horizon, we’re looking back on advice and forecasts shared by clients and collaborators. These topics range from personal protective equipment to the future of community-based care. 

With these insights from leaders, we celebrate the incredible resilience of the hospice, palliative care and home care communities as they strive forward. 

Edo Banach, president & CEO, National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) on hospice integration

“Hospice has traditionally been a fee-for-service benefit, separate from many of the changes and innovations that have been going on. For better or worse, though, hospice is going to get more integrated into the rest of the system. And there's a huge upside to that: More people can know about [hospice services] and be a part of their overall plan of care.”

Jon Wood, COO/CFO, Big Bend Hospice on tomorrow’s technology

“As we move into palliative care and expand our service lines, I want a technology system that can move with me. That way, I don’t have to buy four or five systems and then manage the interoperability between the systems. I want one solution to support all my lines of business.” 

Ernesto Lopez, CEO, Hospice of Washington County on community-based care 

“Moving forward, we can expect to see a shift from facility-based care to community-based care. It has to happen because current process systems simply are not sustainable. There will be a greater emphasis on managing people at home safely, reducing the cost of care and reducing the consumption of expensive care.”                                                    

Kim Kranz, president, Catholic Home Care & Good Shepherd Hospice Services on partnership

“First, make sure you have the personal protective equipment. Second, make sure you use as much telehealth or remote telehealth monitoring as you possibly can. Third, partner with your physicians. “                                                                         

Bill Dombi, president, National Association for Home Care (NAHC) on telehealth   

“With the advent of telehealth, earlier integration of care in the home is now a reality for pre-acute and acute patients, not just post-acute.”

Kent Anderson, CEO/president, FACHE, Ohio's Hospice on the future of care at home

"We’re going to go from 55 million plus Americans being on Medicare to more than 88 million Americans between now and 2060. The future is the ability to deliver timely care: right patient, right care, right time, to people living at home." 

For these community experts, the shifting terrain of hospice, palliative and home care poses opportunity, rather than challenge. As these inspiring communities continue to adapt to best serve the individuals in their care, we continue to be honored to collaborate with them as they progress. 

Happy National Hospice and Palliative Care Month and National Home Care and Hospice Month!