Is It Time For Hospice?
Did You Know?
Under Medicare, you have the right to choose the hospice facility that best meets your needs, ensuring that you receive care from the provider of your choice.
Is it Time for Hospice? 3 Key Considerations
Hospice care, when introduced at the right moment, can offer a precious gift: time.
Time to reflect, connect with loved ones, prepare for what’s ahead, and focus on what truly matters during the final stages of life.
Early hospice care also alleviates the burdens and stresses that often accompany the progression of serious illnesses, offering peace of mind to both patients and their families.
Wondering if hospice care might be the right choice? Reflecting on these questions could help:
1. Is the patient living with a life-limiting illness or condition?
Certain illnesses are commonly associated with the need for hospice care, including:
Cancer
Heart and circulatory diseases
Dementia/Alzheimer’s
Respiratory illnesses
Stroke
Other conditions like advanced liver and kidney disease, ALS, and other neurological disorders may also indicate a need for hospice.
2. Are there signs that the patient is in decline?
Here are some signs that it might be time to consider hospice care:
A doctor has indicated that life expectancy is six months or less if the illness follows its usual course.
Treatments meant to cure or manage the disease are no longer effective, or they cause more harm than benefit.
The patient has chosen to stop treatments and focus on comfort and quality of life instead.
There is increasing difficulty in performing everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, and moving around.
In the past few months, the patient has experienced:
Significant weight loss
Frequent hospitalizations or emergency room visits
The presence of other serious health conditions
A noticeable decline in physical and mental abilities
3. Are the patient’s end-of-life wishes clear?
Having a plan in place for end-of-life care can greatly ease the decision-making process. If the patient has an advanced care plan, such as a living will or a durable power of attorney for healthcare, their wishes will be clear. This helps ensure that the care plan aligns with what the patient wants, prioritizing comfort and quality of life.
At Hoffmann Hospice, we are here to support you every step of the way. We can help by contacting your doctor, coordinating care, and ensuring that everything is set up according to the patient’s wishes. If the patient is on Medicare, they have the right to choose their hospice home, and we’re honored to be an option for you.
If you’re unsure about whether hospice care is appropriate at this time, please reach out to our admissions team. We are ready to answer your questions, discuss your options, and even arrange for a consultation to help determine the best course of action for you and your loved one. Let us help you make the choice that’s right for your family.
Your Comfort is Our Priority
Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions, and ensure all your hospice care need are met with empathy and expertise.
