FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 04-23-21
A new report, 2021 Hospice News Outlook Survey and Report, sponsored by Homecare Homebase, provides insight into the issues facing hospice providers in 2021.
The COVID-19 pandemic affected all sectors of health care in 2020, and hospice was no exception. Regaining regular access to hospice patients in nursing homes, assisted living, and other facilities is a top concern for providers nation-wide. Locally, Lisa Miller, immediate past president of the Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association (PCHPCA) and Executive Director of Intrepid USA Hospice, said, “Reduced access to facilities means that hospice providers are not able to be physically present to patients and families as often as is optimal.” In addition, although facilities allow nurses in to see patients, they generally are not including other members of the interdisciplinary team or volunteers. Social workers, chaplains, aides and volunteers have been doing their best to serve patients virtually.
Staffing is a top industrywide concern. The United States has 13.35 hospice and palliative care specialists for every 100,000 adults 65 and older, according to an April 2018 study by the National Institute for Health (NIH). The research estimated that by 2040 the patient population will need 10,640 to 24,000 physicians, and supply is expected to range between 8,100 and 19,000. Hospice and palliative care providers also experience shortages in non-physician disciplines, including chaplains, nurses, and social workers. In addition, many hospice staff members are approaching retirement, with nearly half of the total nursing workforce expected to retire within the next decade.
“This growing need in hospice care provides a career opportunity for our young people, as they are thinking about their futures,” said Tammy Hunter, Co-Chair of the PCHPCA. “For people thinking about a career in healthcare, caring for seriously ill persons and their families can be very rewarding and meaningful work.”
Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association (PCHPCA) is a nonprofit public charity that has joined national, state, and community efforts to increase the quality of life for seriously ill persons, their loved ones, their caregivers, and the healthcare community in Putnam County. PCHPCA operates with support from charitable donations and grants, and is partially supported by The Putnam County Community Foundation and the Putnam County Hospital. For additional information, contact Elaine Peck, Director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.pchpca.org.
