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When is the Right Time?

Discussing hospice is a difficult topic and it can be hard to determine if the patient is ready for hospice care.  At Hospice of Helping Hands we care for patients of all ages and various life-limiting illnesses. It is our goal to bring comfort in their final stages of life. The type of illness the patient has does not matter. We serve patients living with:

  • Cancer
  • COPD and other Lung Diseases
  • Heart Disease
  • Alzheimer’s or Dementia
  • Renal (Kidney) Disease
  • AIDS
  • Or any other life-limiting illness

Informal Hospice Eligibility Questionnaire

You or your loved one may be eligible for hospice care if you check four or more statements. However, your primary physician and our Medical Director will make the final decision regarding eligibility. Please check the following statements as they apply to you or your loved one to see if hospice care may be appropriate.

I have started feeling more tired and weak.
I experience shortness of breath, even when resting.
I spend most of the day in bed or in a chair.
I have noticed an increased weight loss in the past six months.
I make frequent phone calls to my physician.
I take medications to lessen physical pain.
I have fallen several times in the past six months.
I have made frequent trips to the emergency room in the past six months.
I need help from others with important daily activities. (bathing, dressing, eating, cooking, walking, getting out of bed)

I have had to take an antibiotic for infection 3 or more times in the past six months.

My physician has told me my life expectancy is limited.
  Name:

 

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If you have checked four or more items on the questionnaire and submitted, we will be calling you promptly. However, if you have checked four or more items on the questionnaire and not submitted, please call our office at 800-992-6592 to speak to a nurse regarding hospice eligibility and how we can help you.

There are two primary Medicare guidelines that determine if someone is appropriate for hospice care:

  • The patient is faced with a life limiting illness that is measured in months instead of years (requires certified physician documentation)
  • The patient is no longer seeking curative treatment for their illness and therefore, are electing comfort care

If you or your family are considering hospice care and would like more information please call our office or email us.  Our hospice team would be happy to answer your questions or come to your home for a free informational visit. 

Additional Resources:

Below are links to different websites that have videos featuring end-of-life choices and decisions. Hopefully they are helpful to you and your family.

Edge of Life Videos and Articles

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

 
 
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