Akard Funeral Home

05/01/2026

Congrats 🎉 to Healing Hands Health on their new, super fabulous medical building🌟. They are most certainly “building health and inspiring hope” in our community 🫶.

04/29/2026

Sometimes the most meaningful moments in life become the memories we hold closest. 🤍

Honoring those memories is at the heart of everything we do—creating services that reflect a life fully lived and deeply loved.

When the time comes, we’re here to help you celebrate those stories in a way that feels personal and lasting.

04/28/2026

There are a lot of decisions to make—and it can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we’re here.

From service options to personalization, we guide you through each step with clarity, compassion, and care—so you never feel like you’re navigating it alone.

If you have questions, we’re always here to help. 🤍

04/28/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1bShirLTcj/

The Impact of Delayed Hospice Referral on Patient Outcomes and Quality of End-of-Life Care

Late referral to hospice care is a common issue, and it can significantly impact both patient comfort and family experience at the end of life. Hospice is designed to provide comprehensive support over time, not just in the final days. When referrals are delayed, patients often miss out on the full benefits hospice can offer.

One of the biggest concerns with late referral is unmanaged symptoms. Patients may experience uncontrolled pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, or agitation that could have been better managed with earlier hospice involvement (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization [NHPCO], 2023). Hospice teams specialize in proactive symptom control, but they need time to assess, adjust, and optimize care.

Late referral also limits emotional and psychosocial support. Hospice provides counseling, education, and guidance for both patients and families. When hospice is introduced too late, families may feel unprepared, overwhelmed, and unsupported during the dying process (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020).

Another impact is reduced time for care planning. Early hospice allows for meaningful conversations about goals of care, advance directives, and patient wishes. Without this time, decisions are often made in crisis, which can lead to care that does not align with what the patient truly wanted.

In addition, late referrals may result in more aggressive and burdensome interventions near the end of life, including repeated hospitalizations or procedures that do not improve quality of life. Hospice helps prevent unnecessary interventions by focusing on comfort and aligning care with patient goals (NHPCO, 2023).

Perhaps most importantly, late hospice referral can take away valuable time, time for comfort, closure, meaningful conversations, and presence with loved ones.

Hospice is not meant to be a last-minute decision. It is a supportive service designed to walk alongside patients and families, providing comfort, clarity, and dignity throughout the final chapter of life.

Follow for evidence-based, compassionate education.
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Facebook: The Hospice NP

04/28/2026

If you look up the definition of a hero, it’s this guy right here❤️. I had a great night celebrating the retirement of Fire Chief Mike Carrier. After serving Bristol, Tennessee for 38 years, he has been an outstanding chief💫. He is an even more remarkable person. Congrats 🎉

04/27/2026

You don’t have to have all the answers—that’s our job.

We’re here to guide you through the details you may not even realize need attention, helping you feel informed, confident, and supported every step of the way.

No pressure. Just thoughtful guidance when you need it most.

04/24/2026

Support matters—especially during life’s most difficult moments. 💜

Grief can feel overwhelming, but no one should have to walk through it alone. Whether it comes from family, friends, neighbors, or caring professionals, having a support system can bring comfort, strength, and healing when it’s needed most.

At our funeral home, we believe being present, listening, and guiding families with compassion is just as important as the services we provide. Because sometimes the greatest gift we can offer is simply being there.

If you or someone you know is navigating loss, please remember: support matters. You are not alone.

04/24/2026

Check out Bambi, Rae and Barnabas on the screen in Time Square. We are near the end of the video.
Chptr

04/23/2026

How do you want to be celebrated?

04/23/2026

🎥Tonight is the night! 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝘾𝙖𝙡𝙡 goes live in Times Square.

✨Funeral directors and the vital role you play in your communities are being featured. Whether joining in person or virtually, share the moment with us.✨

🗽𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: → Chptr on Facebook

📍We expect the Times Square viewing to begin around 𝟳:𝟮𝟬𝗽𝗺 𝗘𝗧.

If you’re not able to tune in live, the video will remain available on the Chptr page afterward so you can watch and share it later.

Watch for photos and video throughout the evening across social channels, and we’d love for you to join in.

Follow along and share the moment: Use #𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹

Tag all of us on your favorite social channel:

LinkedIn: -funeral-directors-association -life-company

Facebook and Instagram:

04/22/2026

04/22/2026

Earth Day 🌎

Today we celebrate Earth Day and the beauty of the world we all share. It’s a reminder to care for our communities, protect our environment, and appreciate the simple gifts nature provides each day.

As we honor life and legacy, we are also reminded of the importance of preserving the world for future generations. Together, small acts of care can make a lasting impact.

Happy Earth Day from all of us. 💚