It is time when curative treatment is no longer an option. Patients may know this before others do. Hospice counselors are available to support patients and families as they reach this awareness. Hospice will contact the physician to see if the patient is appropriate for hospice care. Hospice will then consult the patient and family to see if hospice services are desired.
Timely referrals are important.
Hospice staff can be more helpful when they have time to build a trusting relationship with patients and their loved ones before the situation becomes critical. If hospice comes into a patient's life when it is time, the patient can live their remaining days more fully. Any terminal diagnosis. Certification of a six-month prognosis, if the disease follows its normal and expected course. The care is focused on palliation of symptoms, maximizing quality of life.