Hospice use by older adults knocking on the door of the nursing facility: implications for social work practice.
Since 1983, federal funding has been available for hospice services. However, research studies have found that hospice is underutilized by people with terminal illnesses and their families. Low-income older adults are particularly at risk for underutilization. This study examined utilization of hospice services by nursing home applicants in one Midwestern state. Characteristics of users and non-users, and potential barriers to hospice use were examined. Findings further document that hospice is underutilized, especially by the Medicaid population, and point to barriers to hospice utilization. Specific recommendations are made to help practitioners increase hospice access.
Chapin
Rosemary K
RK
School of Social Welfare, University of Kansas, Office of Aging and Long-Term Care, 1545 Lilac Lane, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA. rchapin@ku.edu
Gordon
Theresa
T
Landry
Sarah
S
Rachlin
Roxanne
R
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D017051:Hospice Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008484:Medicaid / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009735:Nursing Homes; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012737:Sex Factors; D012947:Social Work / Q000458:organization & administration*