Approximately 80% of Americans would prefer to die at home if possible however, only 20% will actually do so (Stanford School of Medicine). Why only 20%? There are numerous factors that come in to play that can determine whether the patient physically is able to die at home as they prefer such as;

1. Progression of the illness
2. Need for symptom control
3. Any complications
4. Available family support
5. Access to community based palliative care services
6. Medical equipment needed (University of Oxford ,2017) There are services that are available to help the patient and family care for the elderly patient in their final days such as hospice. However, it has been found that hospice services are under used and if they are used it is in the last 3-4 weeks of life (Stanford School...