The specialized work of hospice goes beyond providing care for those who are dying — although this is certainly a core part of the mission. The broader philosophy is committed to preserving dignity through the full life continuum, including the final phase.
Leading employers are beginning to recognize and address the impact terminal illnesses and end-of-life decision-making have on their workforce. When employees take time off to care for aging parents or a long-time employee is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, the emotional and financial burdens on the employee are substantial. The turmoil extends to all of those connected to the employee — family members, co-workers and employers. In the workplace, this can translate to absenteeism, lack of focus and productivity, depression, even substance abuse.
Education is beneficial
How can employers help? Education about advance directives is a great place to start. Advance directive describes two types of legal documents that allow an individual to plan and communicate end-of-life wishes in the event he or she is unable to communicate: a living will and medical power of attorney.
Offering employees advance directive resources is a compassionate way to assure they have a voice in their care. Reductions in unwanted medical procedures and hospital stays provide substantial cost savings to employers while providing the resources employees need to make their own well-informed decisions.
Every year, billions of dollars are spent on end-of-life medical procedures that patients may never have wanted. Rather than die in a hospital, research consistently shows most people prefer being in their homes, supported by loved ones and hospice care. Yet thousands of patients are kept alive in a vegetative state because they did not have advance directives in place.
Since hospitals and physicians are not fully compensated through Medicare and Medicaid, they must shift costs to insured patients. Higher health insurance premiums force employers to reduce coverage, increase employee copays or eliminate coverage altogether. When families struggle to cover unpaid medical bills, their physical and emotional exhaustion makes them less productive at work.
Because end-of-life care consumes an inordinate portion of health care costs, giving individuals what research shows they prefer is also cost-effective. About 60 percent of Medicare expenses are incurred during the last six months of life. By making wishes known in advance, individuals can spare themselves the pain of futile medical procedures and relieve their families of guilt while reducing financial burdens.
Providing information
Company newsletters, intranet content and team meetings are all potential vehicles for providing information to employees. Informal lunch sessions and health and wellness fairs also provide excellent forums for discussion.
A variety of reputable external resources such as AARP and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s Caring Connections website offer education resources at no cost to individuals or their employers. Hospice of the Western Reserve offers a free downloadable workbook on its website called “Starting the Conversation” with tips and worksheets and all the legal documents required by Ohio.
