When is it time for hospice care for your patient?

Our patients and families often tell us they wish they had known about and chosen hospice services sooner. The idea that hospice care is only for the last few days or weeks of life is a common misunderstanding. Patients and families can really benefit most when they have hospice for the final months of life. Hospice care can help assure quality of life by providing personalized care from medical professionals, keeping patients comfortable, supporting family caregivers and delivering all these services directly to your home.

How can you tell when it’s time to call?

If any combination of these statements is true of your patient, please contact us at 888.449.4121 to discuss whether hospice support may appropriate for them.

• You have indicated to your patient that life expectancy is limited.
• Patient hospitalizations and emergency room visits have become more frequent in the past six months.
• Patient visits and contact have become more frequent in recent weeks.
• You have prescribed new medications for pain.
• Patient falls have become more frequent.
• The majority of the patient’s time is spent in bed or a chair.
• Patient is experiencing unintentional weight loss.
• Weakness and fatigue are common complaints from your patient.
• Shortness of breath is a concern for your patient even when resting.
• Patient needs assistance is needed with bathing, dressing, getting out of bed, walking, eating, or toileting.

Can we call Ohio’s Hospice even if we don’t think it’s time?

Absolutely. An important part of our mission is providing guidance about any end-of-life care issue, regardless of whether they are an Ohio’s Hospice patient. If it appears that hospice care would be beneficial for your patient, we are happy to discuss care with you.