Ask yourself the question: “Would I be surprised if this patient was not living by this time next year?”

If the answer is “No,” the patient may be eligible for hospice.

When is it Time to Consult Hospice?

When a patient has a life expectancy of weeks or months rather than years, patients with functional decline, poor nutritional status, weight loss or worsening of symptoms may be eligible to receive hospice care.

Please call us at (717) 391-2421 or (717) 885-0347 and we can help to determine patient eligibility, or see below for several disease-specific indicators.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia:

• Aphasia
• Dysphagia
• Inability to participate in ADLs
• Decubitus ulcers
• Recurrent infections

Stroke:

• Dysphagia
• Aspiration
• Recurrent infections
• Pneumonia

Cancer:

• Anorexia
• Progression of symptoms despite treatment
• Pain or other symptoms
• Metastatic disease

Heart Disease:

• Dyspnea and/or chest pains at rest
• Overwhelming fatigue
• Recurrent hospitalizations/exacerbations

End-Stage Kidney Disease:

• Declines dialysis
• Poor response to dialysis
• Pain or other symptoms

End-Stage Liver Disease:

• Pain or other symptoms
• Even if awaiting transplant

Lung Disease:

• Dyspnea at rest
• Dependent on oxygen
• Recurrent hospitalizations/exacerbations

To refer your patients or for more information, please call us at (717) 391-2421 or (717) 885-0347.