When Is It Time For Hospice?
When the burden of treatment outweighs the benefits and/or the patient has experienced notable decline and multiple hospitalizations over the last several months, he or she might be ready for hospice. Other indicators include:
- Repeat trips to the emergency room (ER)
- Unrelieved pain
- Frequent infections
- Sudden or progressive decline in physical function and eating
- Weight loss/difficulty swallowing
- Shortness of breath/oxygen dependence
What Are The Qualifications Of Hospice?
A patient is eligible to receive hospice services when their illness is terminal. A physician determines the patient’s life expectancy is six months or less if the disease runs its ordinary course. In addition, the patient must meet Medicare’s disease-specific criteria
Is Hospice Only For People Dying?
Hospice is for people who have a limited life expectancy and patients whose condition is such that a doctor would not be surprised if patient died within the next six months. This doesn’t mean the patient will die in the next six months; it simply means that he or she has a condition that makes passing a realistic possibility.
What Is The First Step To Begin Hospice Care?
Anyone can request a hospice evaluation at no cost. A physician may make the referral or provide several options and let the patient/family decide. The physician must certify to the hospice provider that the patient is eligible and has a prognosis of six months or less. When a referral is made, the hospice provider makes an appointment (the same day or on a convenient date) to meet with the family. The admissions nurse evaluates the patient, answers the family member’s questions, and creates a plan of care that reflects the patient/family’s wishes. If the discussion goes well and the family is ready, they sign admission paperwork, and the hospice team begins to visit.