When Does Hospice Start?
Family caregivers often ask “When does hospice start?” While the answer is different for every patient, families often find their loved one is already eligible.
Too often, families resist hospice care because they believe it signals that they’ve given up or they worry that medications used to reduce pain and manage symptoms will hasten death.
The truth is just the opposite.
Studies show that patients receiving hospice care live an average of 29 to 44 days longer than those who do not receive hospice care. The New England Journal of Medicine explains that, “with earlier referral to a hospice program, patients may receive care that results in better management of symptoms, leading to the stabilization of their condition and prolonged survival.”
When does hospice start?
Hospice care begins with a referral. Most patients are referred by their doctor or another healthcare professional, but family or friends can also contact Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care to learn more about options for their loved one. Once a patient is referred to Crossroads, a nurse will visit to ensure the patient qualifies. Eligible patients can begin hospice care immediately.
Who is eligible for hospice care?
Patients of any age are eligible for hospice care if they have been certified by a physician as having a life expectancy of six months or less, if their illness follows the usual course.
A patient may be approaching this prognosis if they experience:
- Frequent hospitalizations in the past six months
- Increasing weakness and fatigue
- Progressive weight loss (taking into edema weight into consideration)
- Compromised Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including eating, bathing, toileting, dressing, transferring/walking, and continence
- Recurrent infections
- Deteriorating mental abilities
- Skin breakdowns
- Meeting disease-specific hospice eligibility criteria
<h2>The Benefits of Hospice Care</h2>
Crossroads provides a team of end-of-life-care experts to create a unique care plan for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of each patient and added support for their family. Patients are able to receive care wherever they are residing whether that is their home, an assisted living facility, or nursing home. All medication, medical equipment, and medical supplies related to their hospice diagnosis are provided at no cost to the patient and their family.
The hospice team can help to manage pain and other symptoms, so the family can focus on quality time together. If you’re asking yourself when hospice starts, it’s time to learn more. Please give us a call at 1-888-564-3405 to find hospice care in your area.
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