My Plans:
Improve funding for hospice and elderly healthcare programs
The first step of this action plan is to improve funding directed toward hospice and palliative care programs. Although hospice care is partially covered by Medicare, many programs still operate with limited funding that does not fully support staffing, facilities, or long-term patient needs. Research from MIT shows that hospice care reduces Medicare spending by lowering hospital admissions and unnecessary medical procedures, yet funding levels have not increased to reflect these benefits. Improving funding can be achieved by encouraging policymakers to prioritize hospice care within Medicare policy and healthcare budgets. Increased financial support would allow hospice organizations to expand services, hire more caregivers, and reach underserved elderly populations, ultimately improving patient comfort and quality of life.
Identify communities that lack access to hospice care
2. The second step is to identify communities where hospice services are limited or unavailable. Many elderly individuals live in areas with few hospice facilities, which results in delayed referrals or no access to care at all. Hospitals, senior centers, and community health organizations can help identify regions with high elderly populations but low hospice enrollment. During my volunteer experience at Hospice of the Valley, I learned that many patients are referred too late due to limited outreach and awareness. By locating underserved areas and working with hospice organizations, outreach programs, and partnerships can be developed to connect more elderly patients to hospice services earlier.
Establish donation, volunteer, and awareness drives for hospice organizations
3. The final step is to establish donation, volunteer, and awareness drives to support hospice organizations. While volunteering, I observed that hospice programs rely heavily on community support to provide comfort items and emotional care for patients. Donation drives for items such as blankets, hygiene supplies, and activity materials can significantly improve patient comfort. Volunteer drives can also help recruit students and community members to support hospice staff by providing companionship and assistance. In addition, awareness campaigns can educate families about hospice care and guide them toward available services sooner, which helps elderly patients receive timely, compassionate care.