On Death and Dying
Death is a natural part of life’s journey—and hospice is here to help make that journey peaceful and supported.
Hospice care offers expert, compassionate support for patients and their loved ones at the end of life.
Our goal is simple: to ease pain and discomfort while providing emotional and spiritual support. Hospice does not hasten death or prolong it, it simply helps people live their final months with dignity, comfort, and peace.
Studies show that patients receiving hospice care often live longer—and live better—than those who don’t.
When to Call Hospice
The decision to call hospice can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
Choosing hospice is not about giving up.
It’s about choosing to focus on quality of life—making the most of the time you have with the best support available.
In general, hospice care is appropriate when:
- A physician has indicated a life-limiting illness.
- The patient’s life expectancy is six months or less if the illness runs its typical course.
- The focus has shifted from curative treatment to comfort, support, and quality of life.
You can also ask about palliative care at any stage of a serious illness.
Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving comfort even while receiving active treatment.
Signs That the End of Life May Be Near
As the body prepares for the end of life, natural changes occur. These signs are normal—and your Hospicare care team will help you understand them and manage any discomfort.
Common signs include:
- Eating and drinking less
- Changes in bladder and bowel control
- Changes in breathing patterns
- Shifts in body temperature
- Changes in skin color or appearance
- Changes in mental state or behavior
- Sleeping more, or becoming unresponsive
It’s also common for people nearing the end of life to:
- Talk about seeing loved ones who have already passed away.
- Speak of "going home" or preparing for a journey.
These experiences are natural and often comforting to the person experiencing them.
Click here to learn more about how to be present with someone who is dying
Resources on death and dying
There are a number of websites, books and other resources about death and dying. Here are a few to consider:
Dr. Atul Gawande is a surgeon, researcher and author of several books, including Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End. Dr. Guwande worked with PBS Frontline to make a documentary version of “Being Mortal”.
Dr. Ira Byock is a leading palliative care doctor who writes about death, dying and care for the dying
Barbara K. Barnes, RN writes a blog on questions related to death and dying, and provides information for both professionals and families.
Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) is a national organization dedicated to increasing the availability of quality palliative care services for people facing serious illness.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) is a member-based organization that promotes and supports hospice, palliative care and end-of-life information.
Death Cafe is a fairly informal, international effort to raise awareness of death and help people feel more comfortable talking about death. At a Death Cafe participants gather to share refreshments and talk about death. There is no set agenda. In Ithaca, Death Cafes have been held quarterly. Email deathcafeithaca@gmail.com for more information on upcoming local Death Cafes.
Dying Matters focuses on raising awareness of death, dying and bereavement.
Read our articles on death and dying here.