Hospice care is most commonly associated with immediate end-of-life care, where patients are provided support with only a few days or hours left until their passing.

Hospice care isn’t exclusively for those who have a few days left to live. 

To qualify for hospice care, patients must be experiencing a terminal illness, but families may be surprised to know that their ongoing care can begin as early as six months before their estimated passing. 

Understanding Hospice Care

Hospice care is a specialized form of medical care aimed at providing comfort and support to those with terminal illnesses who are seeking end-of-life care. This form of care focuses on relieving symptoms in the hopes of improving quality of life, rather than on seeking a cure.

This care is practiced on the belief that patients should receive support tailored to their unique needs and preferences during their final stages of life. Individuals entering hospice care can expect a holistic experience that prioritizes comfort and dignity.

Our team uses a multidisciplinary approach for our patients, which includes the help of doctors, nurses, social workers, spiritual and bereavement counselors, and trained volunteers who work together to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of both patients and their families.

The significance of hospice care for both patients and their families is profound. It serves to alleviate not just physical pain, but also the emotional and psychological distress often associated with terminal illnesses. 

For patients, hospice care provides a sense of peace and control. For families, hospice offers a structured support system during a challenging and often overwhelming period, helping them manage caregiving responsibilities and emotional stressors. 

Ultimately, hospice care plays a vital role in providing a compassionate, respectful, and deeply human experience during end-of-life care, fostering meaningful moments and relationships. 

The goal is to make sure that patients spend their final days in comfort and dignity, surrounded by their loved ones.

Benefits of Starting Hospice Care Early

A common misconception about hospice care is that it’s exclusively for those who are expected to pass within a few days. While hospice care focuses on providing comfort for those with terminal illnesses seeking end-of-life care, this extends to patients who are generally expected to live six months or less.

While the timeline for hospice care is focused on those last six months, life expectancy isn’t an exact science. Many patients in hospice care continue to live for extended periods, sometimes exceeding their initial prognoses. 

In circumstances where we do see significant improvement in our patients, we can transition them to another care environment that’s better equipped to handle their evolving health needs. If their health later declines, they’re welcome to return to hospice care. 

The goal of hospice care is to provide comprehensive support tailored to individual circumstances, enhancing the experience of living, not just managing the countdown to death.

With that being said, starting hospice care early offers numerous benefits, the two most significant of which include: 

• Improved Symptom Management: With a dedicated team focused on relieving pain and discomfort, patients can experience a higher quality of life. This also helps prevent potential crises, reducing the necessity of emergency interventions and hospital visits.
• Emotional and Psychological Support: Counseling services, support groups, and respite care can help families and patients cope with the emotional toll of a loved one’s terminal illness. This support network can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of end-of-life care.

Delaying the transition to hospice care can lead to complications.

Without the specialized care that hospice provides, patients may suffer from unmanaged symptoms, increasing their discomfort and decreasing their quality of life. Families may also experience higher levels of stress and burnout without the support and resources that hospice care offers.

It’s crucial to understand that entering hospice care doesn’t suggest a person’s imminent passing. Many patients experience significant health improvements while receiving care. 

This flexibility allows for the possibility of transitioning back into other forms of care if necessary, confirming that patients and families receive appropriate support throughout their journey. 

Ultimately, early hospice care can lead to a more compassionate experience for everyone involved. 

Who Qualifies for Hospice Care?

While patients can benefit from the care provided by early hospice care, they must still meet the criteria to qualify for hospice care:

• Diagnosis of Terminal Illness: Patients must have a diagnosed terminal illness, which generally includes conditions like advanced cancer, heart disease, lung disease, kidney failure, and severe neurological disorders.

• Prognosis of Six Months or Less: A key criterion for hospice eligibility is a medical prognosis indicating that the patient is expected to have six months or less to live if the illness follows its usual course. 
• Potential for Improvement: Patients can still qualify for hospice care even if there are signs of health improvement. Terminal illnesses can be unpredictable, and hospice care can provide ongoing support regardless of fluctuations in the patient’s condition.
• Non-Exclusive to Older Adults: Hospice care is not limited to elderly individuals; people of any age can be eligible for these services if they meet the medical criteria.
• Holistic Support Needs: Hospice care is ideal for those who require comprehensive support that addresses not only medical symptoms, but also emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being.
• Improvement in Quality of Life: Patients may seek hospice care early in the illness process. This can lead to enhanced symptom management and a greater quality of life, contrary to the misconception that hospice is solely for those who are in their final days.
• Continuity of Care: Patients can transition between care settings. If a patient shows improvement, they may move to a more suitable care community. If their health declines, they can return to hospice without losing out on support services.

We’re Here for Support

Hospice care is a vital resource that extends far beyond end-of-life care. 

We understand that navigating this journey can be an emotional experience, we’re here to help. Connect with our team at Del Corazon Hospice to learn more about our unique approach to hospice care.