Hospice care in America grew 162% between 1996-2006 and those over the age of 65 comprised approximately 82% of those served (NHPCO Facts & Figures, 2007).  The intersection of aging and good symptom management must be grounded in best practices and nursing is well positioned to study and impact this care model as it is more closely examined in this coming century.

Transitions are experienced in many areas for patients and families living with life-limiting illness; from goals of treatment to teams of providers to the setting of care.  In my practice, the key moments are these times of transition and how we support and respond to those as nurses is what makes the most impact.  My hope is to impact the experience of older patients and their families when they transition to hospice, whether it be in the home or in the inpatient setting, by discovering and highlighting what makes this lived experience most cohesive, satisfying, and cost effective.