Introducing Bristol Hospice’s Breathe Easy Program

Living with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or other chronic respiratory conditions can be overwhelming—for both patients and the families who support them. Flare-ups, hospitalizations, and the daily struggle to catch your breath create unique challenges that require more than routine hospice care.

At Bristol Hospice, we believe that high-quality hospice care should be innovative, specialized, and deeply personal. That’s why we are proud to introduce our newest specialty program: Breathe Easy.

What is the Breathe Easy Program?

Breathe Easy was developed by our national clinical leaders, including Melissa Broadway, Chief Clinical Officer, and Dr. Sonali Wilborn, National Medical Director, in collaboration with our care teams in the field. The program was designed to provide extra layers of comfort and guidance for patients facing the daily realities of COPD and other chronic respiratory illnesses.

This initiative combines:

  • Comfort kits tailored to ease the physical symptoms and stressors of respiratory conditions
  • Educational tools that empower families with the knowledge and confidence to provide care at home

By blending practical resources with compassionate hospice support, Breathe Easy addresses the medical, emotional, and educational needs of both patients and their loved ones.

Why This Program Matters

While cancer, heart disease, and dementia remain the most common hospice diagnoses, COPD is a significant and often under-recognized condition in hospice care. Research shows that about 6% of hospice deaths among older adults are attributed to COPD, and nearly 40% of patients with COPD receive hospice services in their final months of life.

These numbers underscore the importance of specialized programs like Breathe Easy—designed to meet the unique needs of individuals living with chronic respiratory conditions.

This is another way Bristol Hospice is setting a new standard for the highest quality of care—ensuring that families have the comfort, support, and peace of mind they deserve.

Part of Bristol’s Specialty Program Family

Breathe Easy joins our growing collection of specialty hospice programs—including Bright Moments (dementia support) and Sweet Dreams (comfort for sleep and rest)—each designed to meet specific patient and family needs with compassion and innovation. Together, these programs reflect Bristol’s ongoing mission: Embracing a Reverence for Life.

Learn More

With Breathe Easy, our goal is simple: to help patients and families breathe easier, every single day.

To learn more about the Breathe Easy program and Bristol’s full range of hospice services:

Visit Breathe Easy

Hospice Eligibility

Wondering if it’s time to talk to a physician about hospice eligibility for yourself or a loved one? Let us help guide your next steps with a checklist.

Hospice Eligibility

Benefits of Earlier Admission

When considering hospice care, we would like to highlight the benefits of starting hospice care from the first moment you are eligible.

Benefits of Earlier Admission

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Bristol Hospice is committed to providing the care and support your loved one needs, helping you and your family every step of the way.

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