Hospice of the West Highlights Economic Toll of End-of-Life Care on Health Plans, Members and Family Caregivers — Urges Adoption of Advanced Illness Management

PHOENIX–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#advancedillnessmanagement—Hospice
of the West (HOW), a leading community-based hospice and palliative
care organization in Maricopa County, Arizona, points to the financial
consequences associated with end-of-life care on health plans and
at-risk provider organizations focusing on seniors, plan members with
life-limiting illnesses, and family caregivers. HOW underscores the
value of Advanced Illness Management (AIM) to enhance care quality,
reduce economic burdens and relieve the stress on families.

“By the year 2050, the proportion of the U.S. population that is over
the age of 65 will increase to 20.3 percent, a trend that will impact
the organization and delivery of healthcare,” says Dr. Anil Nanda,
associate physician, HOW. “With the shift in focus from acute to chronic
illnesses, and the need to change from one-time interventions that
correct a single problem to the ongoing management of multiple diseases
and disabilities, there is a growing need for AIM.”

AIM helps individuals and families make care decisions based upon their
own values, goals and preferences. This approach not only improves
patient-centered outcomes such as pain, depression, and other symptoms,
but also enhances patient and family satisfaction with care.

“By shifting the focus of care to the home or community, AIM ensures
that patients get the care they need to avoid unnecessary or unwanted
care,” he says. “AIM is also documented to lower the cost of care by
reducing visits to the emergency department, ICU days and in-hospital
stays. As a result, Medicare beneficiaries and family caregivers avert
high out-of-pocket expenses.”

Over 40 percent of households in which a family member is struggling
with one or more complex, chronic conditions faces medical bills that
exceed their financial assets.

“Family caregivers can spend as much as 66 hours a week providing care
to a loved one during the person’s last year of life, further eroding
earning potential,” he says. “AIM brings welcome relief.”

About Hospice of the West

Hospice of the West is a community based Hospice and Palliative Care
organization based in Maricopa County, Arizona and is committed to
serving the unique needs of individuals facing a serious illness and
providing ongoing support to patient families and loved ones. http://hospicewestaz.com/

Contacts

Media:
CPR Communications for Hospice of the West
Katelyn
Petersen, 201.641.1911 x 18
kpetersen@cpronline.com