HOSPICE CARE
WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME FOR HOSPICE?
Patients are referred to hospice when they cannot be cured with further treatment and the physician determines life expectancy to be approximately six months. Patients who live longer than six months remain in hospice care for as long as they need the service. Waiting too late to enter hospice care can make it difficult to get symptoms such as pain under control. This can rob the patient and family of precious quality of life and ability to make end-of-life preparations.
Some doctors are uncomfortable bringing up the need for hospice, or the patient or family may not have communicated end-of-life concerns to their physician. If patients or families think they might benefit from hospice, they should discuss its appropriateness with the attending physician and request a referral. If the physician is unable or willing to discuss hospice, or if there is no attending physician available, the family or patient can request a referral by calling Visiting Nurse Association.
Visiting Nurse Association is happy to provide a consultation visit at no cost to help a patient and family decide if hospice is right for them. If you would like more information or would like to schedule a consultation, please call (314) 918-7171.
