Hospice staff realize that the decision to stop curative care can be very difficult. Staff are available to discuss these concerns with the patient, family and physician. For more information, call the hospice in your area. The patient and family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other healthcare professionals, clergy or friends. It is important to let your physician know that you are interested in hospice care.
Most physicians know about hospice.
In addition, physicians and all others can also obtain information on hospice from the American Cancer Society , the American Association of Retired Persons, and the Social Security Administration. Hospice patients may reside in nursing homes. Patients also receive short-term inpatient care if needed for symptom management. For more information, click on Nursing Home Care and Inpatient Unit. The hospice contacts the patient s physician to make sure he or she agrees that hospice care is appropriate for this patient at this time.