Frequently Asked Questions
No, it’s not limited to cancer. Persons with heart, lung or kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease or other life-limiting illnesses may qualify for hospice services.
The goal of hospice care is to neither prolong life nor hasten death. It is intended to enhance quality of life by providing pain relief and comfort as the illness runs its normal course.
No. The hospice team works closely with the patient’s physician to provide end-of-life care that will enhance his or her quality of life.
There is often a need for increased medication at the end of life because pain frequently worsens as the disease progresses. Medication, used in the amounts necessary to control pain, does not cause addiction. Hospice works with the patient and physician to determine the appropriate amount of pain medication to be used on a routine basis to control the patient’s pain while maintaining quality of life.
A patient becomes eligible for hospice care when curative options have been exhausted or the risks of treatment outweigh the gains, and when the physician and hospice director certify the patient’s life expectancy to be six months or less if the illness runs its normal course. If, at any time, the focus should become curative once more, the patient may choose to withdraw from the program.
- The patient is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
- Treatment to cure the disease is no longer effective, or is causing uncomfortable or life-threatening side effects.
- There is an increase in pain, nausea, shortness of breath, or other symptoms.
- Hospital or emergency room visits are more frequent, due to the life-limiting illness.
- It is increasingly difficult for the patient to rebound after medical emergencies related to the illness.
- The patient requires assistance in caring for his or her physical needs.
- The patient seems withdrawn, is constantly tired, or sleeps a great deal.
- Caregivers find it increasingly difficult to provide the care necessary; or they require assistance, emotional support, or additional information about what to expect.
- Finances are a growing concern and/or financial assistance is needed to help pay for medications or supplies related to the life-limiting illness.
- Family members feel overwhelmed and stressed.
Patients and families should feel free to discuss hospice at any time, with each other, with their physician or other healthcare professionals, or with clergy
or friends.
