Condition-Specific Hospice Care
COPD — Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Expert hospice care focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
When COPD is no longer responsive to treatment or when the focus shifts from managing the disease to comfort and quality of life, we're here to help.
~16 Million
Americans diagnosed with COPD
Millions more may have COPD and don't even know it.
3rd Leading
Cause of death in the U.S.
COPD was a contributing cause of death for over 160,000 Americans in 2023.
12.7 Million
Adults have COPD but are undiagnosed
Early detection and care can improve quality of life and reduce serious complications.
6th Leading
Cause of death globally
COPD remains a major global health challenge and is largely preventable.
Sources: CDC, National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Data Brief, 2025; CDC, COPD Data and Statistics, 2025; World Health Organization (WHO), COPD Fact Sheet, 2024
Why Pacific Hospice
Our Approach to COPD Care
COPD is a progressive lung disease that makes it harder and harder to breathe. In the U.S., nearly 16 million people have been diagnosed, and millions more may unknowingly have COPD. Frequent flare-ups, hospitalizations, and declining lung function can significantly impact quality of life.
Our hospice care focuses on comfort, symptom relief, and support for patients and their loved ones — helping manage breathlessness, anxiety, and the physical and emotional burden of advanced COPD.
Why Hospice?
When Hospice Makes Sense for COPD
When COPD is no longer responsive to treatment or when the focus shifts to comfort, hospice provides expert symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and compassionate care — helping patients live as fully and comfortably as possible, at every stage.
Seamless Transitions
P2P Bridge — Home Health to Hospice
Our P2P Bridge ensures a seamless transition from home health to hospice — honoring your patients' needs and goals every step of the way.
Assess for Hospice When You See:
- Shortness of breath at rest or with minimal activity
- Frequent COPD exacerbations or hospitalizations
- Declining ability to perform daily activities
- Chronic cough and increased sputum production
- Need for continuous oxygen therapy
- Weight loss and muscle wasting
- Fatigue, weakness, and decreased endurance
- Declining lung function (FEV1 < 30% predicted)
*Hospice eligibility requires a physician certification of a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease follows its usual course.
Progression of COPD
- Worsening shortness of breath and reduced exercise tolerance
- More frequent or severe flare-ups despite optimal treatment
- Increased dependence on oxygen and breathing treatments
- Declining lung function (FEV1) over time
- Weight loss, muscle wasting, and decreased strength
- Life expectancy is often measured in months to a few years when COPD is advanced
Comprehensive Hospice Services
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COPD Data and Statistics. 2025. cdc.gov/copd
- Heron M. Deaths: Leading Causes for 2023. National Center for Health Statistics Data Brief. 2025. cdc.gov/nchs
- World Health Organization. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) fact sheet. 2024. who.int
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare Hospice Benefits. 2024. medicare.gov
Statistics are provided for educational purposes. Clinical decisions should always be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
We're Here to Help
Contact our care team to discuss hospice care for a patient with COPD.