When is it time for hospice?

Deciding on the best time for hospice should be a decision made by the patient, family and physician, who have agreed that curative treatment has been completed or is no longer desired, and who understand that hospice care will be based on comfort and quality of life.

 
What is considered a life-limiting illness?

A life-limiting illness is any serious illness such as cancer, chronic heart or lung disease, advanced dementia, or any diagnosis where the prognosis is expected to be approximately six months.

Should I wait for my doctor to suggest hospice or should I raise the issue first?

We encourage patients with life-limiting illness and their families to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician. It’s important for everyone, regardless of age, to share their end-of-life wishes.

How can I make a referral to hospice or find out more information?

Anyone can refer a patient to hospice. Individuals may refer themselves, or elect to go through their physicians, family members, friends or hospital discharge planners. A member of the hospice team will evaluate the patient, and the physician will determine hospice eligibility.