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Is it time to consider hospice?
It's one of the hardest questions a family can face. Here's what to look for and how to start the conversation. Asking us questions never commits you to anything.
Who qualifies for hospice?
Hospice is for people with a serious illness whose doctor believes they have six months or less to live if the illness follows its usual course. Two physicians, usually your loved one's doctor and the hospice physician, confirm eligibility.
Choosing hospice means choosing comfort care instead of treatment aimed at a cure. Your loved one can still see their own doctor, and can stop hospice at any time.
You don't need a referral to call us
We'll help you understand the options and can talk with your loved one's doctor about eligibility.
Talk with a hospice nurseSigns families often notice
No single sign means it's time. But when several of these show up, it may be worth a conversation.
- More trips to the hospital or ER
- Treatments no longer helping
- Eating less and losing weight
- Sleeping more, less energy
- Needing help to bathe, dress, or walk
- Pain or breathlessness that's hard to control
- Infections that keep coming back
- A doctor has said time may be limited
- Wanting to stay home, not go back to the hospital
Illnesses hospice often helps with
Hospice isn't only for cancer. It supports people with many kinds of serious illness in their final months.
- Cancer
- Heart disease and heart failure
- COPD and other lung disease
- Dementia and Alzheimer's disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Stroke
- ALS, Parkinson's, and other neurological conditions
Why families often wish they'd called sooner
Many families tell us they wish they'd started hospice earlier. Starting sooner gives your loved one more time with good symptom control, gives our team time to know your family, and gives you more support at home.
Questions to ask your loved one's doctor
- What can we expect in the coming months?
- Are current treatments still helping, or adding burden?
- Would my loved one qualify for hospice?
- What would comfort-focused care look like for them?
Not sure if it's time?
Call and talk it through with a hospice nurse. There's no cost and no commitment.