When is it Time for Hospice?

“I wish I had chosen hospice care sooner” is a common sentiment expressed by hospice patients, their families, caregivers and even physicians and nurse practitioners who refer patients to VITAS. If you are asking yourself if it’s the right time to choose hospice care, the answer is likely yes.

A study found that those who receive specialized hospice care early in the process of a life-limiting illness often improve temporarily, able to experience the benefits of pain relief, symptom management and comfort care to ease anxiety, depression and fatigue.

Is it Time for Hospice? 3 Questions to Ask Yourself

The answers to these questions will give you a good sense of whether it's time to consider calling for a hospice evaluation.

A healthcare professional talks to a man who is lying in bed and his wife

How to Choose a Hospice Provider

Keep these factors and questions in mind when choosing a hospice provider to ensure you receive the professional, compassionate end-of-life care you and your family deserve.

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Talking About Hospice With Your Family

If your family is deciding whether hospice is needed, our family discussion guide can help. Download and print it to start the conversation.

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Hospice Checklist

Are you ready for hospice? Read our hospice checklist to see if you and your loved one are ready for hospice.

Who Makes the Hospice Decision?

Choosing hospice is a healthcare decision. Patients, families, and healthcare providers make the choice together.

An older woman fills out a document while her daughter and a nurse look on

Talking to Your Doctor about Hospice

If you or a loved one has a serious illness, your doctor should welcome the chance to talk about your wishes concerning end-of-life care, including what hospice can do to help.

A man sitting up in bed talks with his physician

Hospice Is a Choice

Do we want to pursue aggressive treatment until the end, or choose another option, such as hospice? We have the right to choose.

A VITAS physician talks with a couple seated on a sofa

Hospice Is Not Giving Up

There is a common misconception that choosing hospice means giving up hope. The facts about hospice, however, prove otherwise.

A woman using a wheelchair sits next to and smiles at her daughter, who is seated on a park bench

How Long Does Hospice Care Last?

Hospice care is intended to take up to six months, but the median length of stay is just 17 days. Learn more about how long hospice care can last.

A nurse holds the hand of a patient who is lying in bed

Considering Hospice Care? Download Our Free Hospice Discussion Guide For Families.

When someone is terminally ill, family members and loved ones need to communicate with each other in order to make the best end-of-life care decisions.

To help you start that conversation, we've made this guide, filled with questions, conversation topics and issues that will help your family know what to expect.

Download the Guide (PDF)

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