When To Start Hospice

Are you wondering when to start hospice care? It is often perceived that hospice care must be initially suggested or referred by a professional healthcare provider. However, anybody, including you or a loved one, can request general information or hospice care services. Once the care is requested, the hospice team contacts your doctor to evaluate whether or not it is an appropriate course of action. You can also speak directly with your loved one’s doctor about hospice care. If the doctor feels that your loved one needs this type of care, he/she will make a referral for starting hospice.

Beginning Your Hospice Care Journey

Once the referral is made, hospice care can begin. The hospice team then contacts the patient to arrange a consultation meeting where various options for care are discussed and explained thoroughly. When the patient comes to an agreement with the hospice care team about a plan of care, the proper consent forms and paperwork are created and then signed. Normally, hospice care will begin within merely 24-48 hours of the referral being made. However, in dire situations, care can begin even sooner.

When To Ask About Hospice

There’s no better time than the present to simply educate yourself on hospice care as well as ask any relevant questions regarding it, including when is the right time to start hospice care. End-of-life care and treatment can be a very difficult subject to broach, but it can help to ensure that your loved one is well taken care of long before his/her health becomes a concern or, as a means to enhance their quality of life. Hospice care is designed to support and oftentimes relieve stress for patients and their loved ones during difficult times.