Adults ages 85 and older are the fastest-growing population group in the US, and expected to nearly triple from 6.4 million in 2016 to 19.0 million by 2060. Did you know that a principal diagnosis of cancer (29.6 percent) was the leading diagnosis among Medicare hospice patients, followed by principle diagnosis of circulatory/heart disease (17.4 percent) and dementia (15.6 percent)?
Cancer risk increases with age, peaking in men and women in their 80’s. The rapidly growing older population will increase demand for cancer care in this population, which will have a substantial impact on health care resource allocation. Diagnosis and treatment of cancer at older ages are often complicated by preexisting medical conditions, cognitive impairment, frailty, and other factors. Screening is not recommended because current evidence suggests that the harms outweigh the benefits for adults older than 75 years of age. As a result, cancers in this age group are often more advanced than those diagnosed at earlier ages.
The Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation is here to help. Through the Cancer and Cardiovascular Related Illnesses Support Program, we ease the burden of caregivers through the funding of:
- Respite care and adult day program grants
- Bereavement program grants
- Critical needs grants for qualifying patients/family members
We also know that through understanding and connection to resources, that this often-painful experience becomes more manageable. The Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation funds can provide:
- Caregiver support programs
- Community education programs related to Cancer and Cardiovascular-related Illnesses
- Continuing education for health care professionals caring for those with Cancer and Cardiovascular-related Illnesses
It is only through the generosity of our donors, that the Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation is able to help those struggling with Cancer and Cardiovascular Related Illnesses. Please join us in our mission to improve the quality of life for families in your community by making a donation. We all thank you!
To learn more about the Cancer and Cardiovascular Related Illnesses Support Program or to see if you or a loved one qualifies for this program, click here or call the Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation at (855) HEART-26.
