WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO ASK ABOUT HOSPICE?

Now is the the right time!

While end-of-life care can be a difficult topic of conversation, the sooner family members discuss plans with their ailing loved ones, the better.

SIX MONTHS OR LESS TO LIVE

Eligibility for hospice care depends on certification by a physician of a person as having a life expectancy that may be six months or less,  depending on the course of the disease.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

The following signs and symptoms may indicate when a a hospice care referral is appropriate:

* Increased or uncontrolled pain
* Progressive weight loss
* Swallowing difficulties
* Shortness of breath
* Nausea/vomiting that does not respond well to medications
* Decline in ability to perform activities of daily living
* Frequent infections
* Frequent Emergency Room visits or hospitalizations
* Increased weakness and/or fatigue
* Increased skin problems
* Withdrawal, confusion, bed-bound prevalence
* Progressive decline, regardless of curative treatments.

Complete the following online hospice patient referral form if you would like more information on our hospice care program.
Someone will be in touch with you within 24 hours.

Since not every eligible patient will exhibit all or any of the hospice referral signs and symptoms, when in doubt, please call our expert nurses at 602-374-6878 to learn more about hospice care criteria, discuss your patient’s or loved one’s specific needs, or to arrange for an assessment visit.