When is it Time to Call Hospice?
|
|
Many terminally ill people and their families ask, "How will I know when it is the right time to call Hospice?" Of course, there is no single or simple answer to that question. It all depends upon individual circumstances.
|
Call Sooner Rather Than Later |
Some of the Signs That Indicate it is Appropriate to Call Hospice |
Contact Our Hospice Program |
|
Call Sooner Rather Than Later
|
A very good rule is to call Hospice sooner rather than later. The Hospice team can assist patients and families in many ways -- medically, psychologically, and spiritually -- and much more effectively when there is time.
The team can certainly help if they are called in during the last few days of a person's life, but early intervention allows the Hospice team to benefit the patient and family more comprehensively.
Hospice care can be provided at home, or in a skilled nursing facility or residential care facility.
|
|
|
Back to top
|
Some of the Signs That Indicate it is Appropriate to Call Hospice
|
|
|
|
Life expectancy is six months or less. (If a patient outlives this initial prognosis, the physician may recertify the patient for additional hospice care, for 60-day periods. Patients who stabilize may also come on and off hospice care, as per their doctor's assessment.)
There are no more options for curative treatment and/or the individual does not wish to pursue further curative treatment.
Pain and symptoms have begun to interfere with the quality of life.
Someone in the family wants to explore spiritual issues that occur at the end of life.
Adult children wish to learn more abou the options for a parent's care.
Information is needed about Living Wills or Advanced Care Directives.
|
Back to top
|
Contact Our Hospice Program
|
|
Please call us if you have any questions about hospice care, or if you wish to begin care for someone you know.
|
|
Call 888-600-7744 for 24-hour hospice information
Call 800-557-9777 to make a referral for hospice care
More hospice information
|
Back to top
|
