Most common hospice indicators
Hospice care is an excellent resource for individuals and their families looking for comfort and an enhanced quality of life near the end of life. For many, hospice care isn’t a consideration until the final weeks or even days of life. By that time, it can be too late to experience the maximum benefits that hospice care can offer to patients and their families. So, when is the right time to consider hospice care?
We’re glad you asked! Continue reading to learn more about the most common hospice indicators and have a better understanding of when to consider hospice care.
Common hospice indicators
While each situation is unique, there are several common indicators that it might be time to consider hospice care. Some of them might include:
- Life expectancy of six months or less if the disease progression were to run its natural course
- Desire for comfort rather than aggressive treatment or interventions
- Frequent falls or hospitalizations
- Multiple diagnoses
- Weight loss or infections
- Decreased independence
Common diagnoses resulting in admission to hospice care
Individuals can be admitted to hospice care if they have a life-limiting illness and a life expectancy of six months or less. Some of these diagnoses might include:
- Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) or other circulatory/heart disease
- Cancer
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Severe malnutrition
What does hospice care have to offer?
Although considering hospice care might be scary and cause uncertainties, it is best to consider hospice care sooner rather than later. The sooner you or your loved one is admitted to hospice the more time we have to understand your needs and develop a care plan that supports your wishes, quality of life, and comfort. Services available to hospice patients and their families might include:
- Physical, emotional, and spiritual support and comfort
- Pain management
- Medication management
- Family and bereavement support
- Life-enriching services such as pet therapy, therapeutic music, or healing touch
The Ethos Hospice care team is here to provide care, support, and comfort so patients and their families can focus on spending time together during the final days, weeks, and months of life.
Is it time to consider hospice care for myself or a loved one?
If you have additional questions about hospice care, our Ethos Hospice team is happy to help. Please contact us by calling (701) 515-0240 or fill out an online form.