Hospice services in rural areas are a critical part of the health care delivery system. Over 25% of Americans live in what is considered a rural or frontier area. Almost one in three adults living in rural America is in poor to fair health, and nearly half have at least one major chronic illness.
Rural hospices have a rich history; many of them have been operating for decades, chiefly as nonprofit organizations. While rural hospices often rely on volunteers and philanthropy to deliver their services, they are often led by talented clinicians dedicated to assuring the very best of end-of-life care in their communities.
A report by the National Rural Health Association, entitled Providing Hospice and Palliative Care in Rural and Frontier Areas, showed that 39% of America's hospices define themselves as rural and 40% serve both rural and urban areas. The number of palliative care programs serving rural areas is increasing. However, reliable hospice and palliative care access for all rural and frontier areas have yet to be achieved. Accessing health care services in rural areas presents special challenges and opportunities.
A new Fact Sheet, "Hospice in Rural America," is now available in HFA's Hospice Information Center. Download this resource today.
