Signs That It May Be Time to Consider Hospice
When someone is living with a serious, life-limiting illness, change in their health may signal that it is time to discuss hospice care. Every person's situation is different, but a conversation with a healthcare professional may be helpful when you notice:
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Frequent hospital visits or repeated hospitalizations.
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Increasing weakness, fatigue, or difficulty with daily activities.
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Significant, unintentional weight loss or reduced appetite.
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Increasing pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms
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Progressive decline despite treatment for serious condition.
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Greater need for help with bathing, dressing, eating, or moving around.
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Advanced dementia or other progressive illnesses accompanied by a decline in function.
Who Qualifies for Hospice Care?
Hospice care is generally intended for people with a life-limiting illness whose condition and prognosis meet hospice eligibility requirements.
For patients using the Medicare hospice benefit, eligibility generally includes certification by the appropriate physician or physicians that the patient is terminally ill, with a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness follows its normal course. The patient must also elect the hospice benefit and meet the applicable Medicare requirements.
A diagnosis alone does not determine eligibility. The patient's overall condition, disease progression, medical history, and other relevant factors are considered.
If you are unsure whether your loved one may qualify, you can contact Neighborhood Hospice to discuss the evaluation process.
Which Conditions May Qualify for Hospice?
Hospice may be appropriate for people with a range of advanced, life-limiting conditions, including:
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Advanced cancer.
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Advanced heart disease or heart failure.
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Chronic lung disease, including advanced COPD.
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Advanced kidney or liver disease.
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Dementia and other progressive neurological conditions.
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Other serious illnesses that have progressed despite treatment.
Eligibility depends on the individual patient's condition and prognosis, not solely on the diagnosis. A physician-led evaluation can help determine whether hospice may be appropriate. Learn more about our hospice care and services.
What Happens During A Hospice Evaluation?
A hospice evaluation helps determine whether hospice may be appropriate for a patient's medical condition, care needs, and goals. It also gives patients and families an opportunity to ask questions and learn what support may be available.
During the process, the hospice team may:
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Review the patient's medical condition and recent health changes.
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Discuss symptoms, daily care needs, and the patient's goals.
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Explain hospice services and the approach to comfort-focused care.
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Answer questions about eligibility, coverage, and next steps.
An evaluation is an opportunity to understand available options. Contacting a hospice provider to ask questions does not, by itself, require a family to begin hospice care.
Does Choosing Hospice Mean Giving Up?
Choosing hospice does not mean that a person's life or comfort no longer matters. Hospice focuses on quality of life, symptom relief, dignity, and support when the goals of care shift toward comfort rather than curing the terminal illness.
Patients and families can discuss their wishes, concerns, and care goals with the healthcare team. Understanding hospice options can help families make informed decisions that reflect what matters most to their loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we ask about hospice before we are ready to start?
Does hospice care have to take place at home?
Can a loved one receive hospice care if they have dementia?
Yes. Families can ask questions and learn about hospice before deciding whether to pursue an evaluation or begin services.
Who can I contact if I have questions about hospice eligibility
Not always. Depending on the patient's Needs. Care arrangements, and available services, hospice may be provided in different settings. Ask Neighborhood Hospice which settings it can support.
Some people with advanced dementia may qualify. Eligibility depends on the person's overall condition, progression, and applicable hospice criteria.
You can call Neighborhood Hospice at 602-774-0051 to discuss your questions and learn about the evaluation process.
You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone
If you have questions about hospice care for yourself or someone you love, Neighborhood Hospice is available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help you understand your options.
Serving Glendale, the West Valley, and the greater Phoenix Valley, depending on location and care needs.