Hospice care is specialized, end-of-life care that focuses on comfort, dignity and quality of life for patients and their families. Despite the many benefits hospice offers, it is often misunderstood or even feared—causing some families to miss out on vital support that could reduce physical, mental and spiritual pain and suffering.

Dr. James Avery, Touchstone Communities’ National Medical Director, is a board-certified hospice and palliative care physician who is passionate about changing perceptions around hospice care. He’s committed to educating patients and families about its many benefits and encourages them to seek support early. He describes hospice care services as a “beacon of light” for patients and their families in a difficult time.

Providing Relief for the Mind, Body and Spirit

Physician, nurse and social worker Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the modern hospice movement, believed that patients at the end of life often experience more than just physical pain. She believed that they, and their family members, also experience psychological, social and spiritual pain as well. Feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression are common emotions, as well as questions about faith.

Hospice services offer a holistic approach to care, bringing together a multidisciplinary team of nurses, doctors, social workers, counsellors, chaplains and therapists to address all of these components of pain.

“We have a noble mandate to reduce suffering in all these areas,” states Dr. Avery. “When all the team members come together to reduce suffering, it gives patients and families the tools and support they need to summon the strength and courage to face the difficult times the end of life can bring.”

Patients and Families Should Be at the Center of Care

When patients are at the end of life and in hospice care, the whole family is affected, and everyone close to the patient is likely experiencing emotions like sadness, fear and anxiety. Dr. Avery believes that not only the patient, but everyone close to them, should have access to counsellors, chaplains, and social workers so they feel supported, heard and cared for. “When I was in medical school I was taught that the patient is at the center of care, but I think that when it comes to hospice care, the patient and family should be at the center of care,” he states.

Compassion is the Guiding Star of Hospice Care

Hospice services are based in compassion. Hospice team members are willing to walk alongside and support patients and their families, so they don’t have to walk alone through the end-of-life journey. Dr. Avery says that for those who work in the hospice field, “Compassion is their guiding star—it’s the heart of what they do. It’s about listening, understanding and being there when it matters most.”

The most common refrain he hears from patients and their families is that they never knew hospice did so much, and they wish they hadn’t waited so long to call. He encourages them to “Summon up the courage to ask for help…You will find a group of wonderful compassionate people who are willing, able and ready to help you.”

Watch Dr. Avery’s video presentation below to learn more about the important role hospice care plays in providing comfort and support to patients and families during the end-of-life journey.