Visiting Nurse Association of Northern NJ Promotes Hospice Awareness for National Care at Home Month
MORRISTOWN, NJ, November 19, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Although specialized hospice care has been readily accessible for patients with life-limiting illnesses in the U.S for more than four decades, it remains significantly underutilized. In response, the Visiting Nurse Association of Northern NJ (VNANNJ), a full-service provider of home-based health care and hospice in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties, is focusing on enhancing public awareness of hospice.
"We're committed to leading a compassionate but candid dialogue about this sensitive topic that will foster greater understanding and dispel some lingering myths," said Faith F. Scott, President and Chief Executive Officer. "This is necessary because while countless people benefit from hospice assistance every day many qualified patients and their loved ones are missing opportunities to receive meaningful, multidisciplinary hospice services."
Despite numerous studies which have demonstrated that hospice care can improve and extend the final phase of life, and eligibility for six months or more of hospice in most cases, the median length of time spent in hospice care is just 18 days. About 20% of patients are enrolled less than four days before they pass away according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Hospice Monitoring Report.
Those statistics underscore how difficult it can be for a patient and their loved ones to accept that life has entered its final phase. Even some physicians struggle with this, avoiding or delaying hospice referrals. In fact, according to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), "Death is the ultimate inconvenient truth, a conversation far too many doctors still go out of their way to avoid."
"We encourage everyone to know some fundamental facts about hospice before a need arises in their own family," said Scott. "For instance, many are unaware that hospice is a life-affirming service and its purpose is not to hasten death. Also, patients or loved ones designated to make their care decisions can request hospice if a doctor hesitates to make a referral."
Additionally, Scott pointed out that choosing a full-service home health care and hospice organization such as VNANNJ whenever home care is prescribed can prove beneficial in the long-term. In the event of a serious, prolonged illness or uncertain prognosis they are uniquely qualified to seamlessly transition patients from standard care to supportive palliative care and hospice when necessary. This continuity can greatly reduce stress, discomfort, and inconvenience for patients and family caregivers.
About VNANNJ Home Care & Hospice
The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern NJ (VNANNJ) has cared for patients in every phase of life since 1898. The establishment of a dedicated hospice in 1995 was a natural outgrowth of that tradition and a response to the emerging needs of a rapidly increasing elderly population locally and nationally. VNANNJ's hospice team which includes physicians, nurses, certified home health aides, licensed social workers, chaplains and other professionals, along with specially trained volunteers, provides personalized assistance based upon the physical, emotional, practical, and spiritual needs and preferences of the patient and their family.
VNANNJ, a leading nonprofit provider of comprehensive home-based care, has a storied history that spans 127 years. In addition to hospice, VNANNJ services include skilled nursing; physical, occupational, and speech therapy; certified home health aides; caregiver respites, counseling, and training; and other home-based care solutions. VNANNJ currently serves residents of more than 140 municipalities. For more information or to arrange a free, no obligation consultation, visit vnannj.org or call 1-800-WE VISIT (1-800-938-4748).
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