Understanding Hospice 

Hands holding cane handle.Hospice is a word many of us are familiar with. But there’s more to hospice than you might realize. Jefferson Healthcare’s Jill Newsome, RN, BSN shares insights on when to consider hospice, what hospice entrails, and more, in the latest episode of the To Your Health podcast.

January 29, 2025

Jefferson Healthcare’s hospice services offer compassionate, personalized care to patients and families navigating the end-of-life journey.

If you’re unfamiliar with hospice, or if you have questions, you’re not alone. We recently spoke to Jefferson Healthcare’s Community Liaison/Manager of Hospice Ancillary Services, Jill Newsome, RN, BSN, on the To Your Health podcast. Newsome sheds light on the holistic support hospice provides to help give you the information you need to understand end of life care.

What Is Hospice?

“Hospice is not a place; it’s a service,” Newsome explains. “It’s a decision made between a patient, their family, and their caregiver when there’s a disease or end-of-life process that’s not curable. Hospice focuses completely on comfort care, allowing patients to live the best possible life.”

At Jefferson Healthcare, hospice care meets patients wherever they call home—whether that’s a house, apartment, RV, or even a boat. Even though hospice is focused on the end of life, Newsome emphasizes, “You don’t go to hospice to die. You go to hospice to live the best end of life you possibly can.”

Older couple sitting on a bench near the sea.Personalized Care and Support

At Jefferson Healthcare, we ensure that hospice care is tailored to meet each patient’s individual needs. “You’ll have a case manager, an RN, a social worker, and spiritual care and bereavement support,” Newsome shares. Volunteers also play a vital role, offering everything from companionship to unique services like therapy dog visits, music, gardening, and even Swedish death cleaning.

“Our comfort therapists provide massages, haircuts, and other small but meaningful services to ensure patients feel cared for and dignified,” Newsome notes.

Many patients receive care from a family member or other loved one near the end of life. In addition to having Jefferson Healthcare staff and volunteers for support, the hospice team works with caregivers to provide them with the information and resources they need to offer the best care possible.

When Should You Ask About Hospice?

“Before you think you need it,” Newsome advises. Many people wait too long, missing the opportunity to benefit from hospice’s extensive support. Newsome explains that “Patients often come to hospice thinking they only have weeks to live, but some live for months or even years with improved quality of life.”

Indeed, research demonstrates that patients on hospice often live longer. “You come to hospice to live,” says Newsome. “It’s about focusing on what’s important, being comfortable, and spending time with loved ones.” This approach can have the effect of increasing patients’ quality of life at the end of life.

Listen to the Full Podcast

To hear more of Jill Newsome’s insights on hospice services at Jefferson Healthcare, listen to our full interview with her on the To Your Health podcast.

Learn More About Hospice

Hospice is about living fully, with dignity and support. Visit our website to learn more about our hospice services and how we can help.

About Jefferson Healthcare

Jefferson Healthcare is an award-winning, full-service healthcare organization meeting the care needs of East Jefferson County. Jefferson Healthcare offers inpatient and comprehensive outpatient services including primary and specialty physician care.

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