IS HOSPICE RIGHT FOR YOU (OR YOUR LOVED ONE)?

A General Guide to Hospice Eligibility

Often the need for hospice care is not obvious, or the caregiver is too close to the patient to effectively observe and evaluate small symptom changes that are not alarming by themselves, but when combined, they show that the patient is experiencing a decline in their overall health, their level of comfort, and their ability to function. Here are some signs to watch for:

HAS THE PATIENT:

• Been hospitalized or taken to the emergency room several times during the past 6 months?
• Been making more frequent phone calls to physicians?
• Been taking medication to lessen physical pain?
• Been spending most of the day in a chair or bed?
• Fallen several times over the past 6 months?
• Experienced noticeable weight loss?
• Started feeling weaker or more tired?
• Noticed a shortness of breath, even while resting?

Need help from others:

• Bathing
• Cooking
• Eating
• Dressing
• Getting out of bed
• Walking
• If you answered YES to four or more of these questions, it is likely that the patient qualifies medically for hospice. Consult your primary care physician, or contact American Premier Hospice.