Am I eligible for Hospice care? How do I know if my loved one will qualify for hospice care? These are very valid questions in an ever-changing healthcare environment, and while the answer may change slightly over time, there are some constants that remain the same.
The first important thing to note is that only a physician can definitively decide if you qualify for Hospice. From the physician’s standpoint, Hospice care is typically recommended for a patient who is diagnosed with a disease process that, if allowed to follow its natural course, may (not WILL) result in death within 6 months time. It’s important to note that this is NOT a prediction of your or your loved one’s remaining life span. It is a rough estimation at best and is often very inaccurate. Patients enter into Hospice care with wildly variable life spans, some living on for years.
It’s unfortunate that only a physician can make a Hospice determination, due in part to the idea that not all doctors are understanding or supportive of a Hospice plan of care, while others are simply uncomfortable with bringing the topic up to their patients. It’s unfortunate, but understandable as most doctors are trained to be healers, and the idea of treating symptoms and focusing on living life, rather than healing the disease, can be a difficult transition for them. Therefore, it’s imperative for you as a patient or caregiver to advocate for Hospice services if you believe that you could benefit from them!
While physicians are the only ones who can sign the order for Hospice, there are some simple guidelines that you can follow that can give you an idea of whether or not Hospice might be an option. These are, in fact, some of the same guidelines used by medical professionals to make that determination. I created this FREE PRINTABLE as a helpful checklist to get you started! Check off any symptoms that you have, write any additional concerns on the back, and take it along with you to your next appointment. It’ll be a great starter for a conversation that may lead to major life changes!
Hospice care is constantly evolving in order to provide the highest quality care to those who need it. Keep this in mind if your particular symptoms or diagnoses are not listed here. At the end of the day, your physician can work out the details if you need the service and they deem you eligible.
If you think that you or your loved one may qualify, but still aren’t sure if it’s the right route to take, check out thsese articles, “Is Hospice Care Right for Me” and “Is Hospice Care Right for My Loved One?”
Please Note: This Site does not provide medical or legal advice. This Site is for information purposes only. Viewing this Site, receipt of information contained on this Site, or the transmission of information from or to this Site does not constitute a physician-patient or attorney-client relationship. The information on this Site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Any legal information provided on this Site is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. If you need legal advice for your specific problem, you should consult a licensed attorney in your area. For more information, please refer to the disclaimer page.