When is it Time?
Hospice care is for people with a life-limiting illness for which there is no cure. The focus is on comfort and quality of life rather than treatment. Each person must decide whether and when hospice is the right path. Maybe treatment isn't working and it has more down sides than ups. Maybe emergency room visits and hospitalizations have become too frequent and overwhelming. Maybe pain relief has become the top priority. Maybe the family caregiver is worn down and can't do it alone anymore.
To qualify for hospice, a physician must certify that the person's life expectancy is six months or less. That time frame is flexible and services can be extended beyond six months.
Anyone can contact Hospice of the Valley for help to decide whether hospice care is appropriate.
