We often hear from patients and families – and sometimes physicians – that they are unsure about the right time to call hospice. We understand that this is a difficult choice to make, but we do have some guidance to assist you in making the decision.
First, we should be clear, it is never too early in a diagnosis to contact us and gather information about hospice care. In fact, if it is early in a diagnosis, you could likely benefit from the services provided by our Sincera palliative care program, which addresses symptoms of serious illness, the side effects of treatment and leads beneficial goals of care conversations to assure you and your loved ones agree with future decisions.
Hospice care is beneficial for anyone of any age, with any life-limiting disease; it is provided when it is believed patients have six months, or less, to live and are no longer pursuing curative care. They may have one or more of these diseases:
- Cancer
- Heart, lung or vascular disease
- Kidney disease
- Neuromuscular diseases such as MS or Parkinson's
- Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia
- AIDS
- Birth defects
Care and services are provided by a highly specialized team of physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, aides, clergy and volunteers. Together, they help patients and families live life to the fullest extent possible and help them address the wide array of issues that arise at the end of life. In addition, they provide bereavement support for family members of all ages following the death of their loved ones.
We encourage you to just call us! Our admissions team will take the time to learn more about you, your illness and your goals of care. If the time is not right, we will tell you and arrange a time to follow up with you in the future.