When is it Time for Hospice Care
2021 Hospice Median Length of Stay 17 days – Patients are usually referred to Hospice very late and do not get the support they need.
Most patients near the end of life live with uncontrolled pain and symptoms making frequent trips to the emergency room or physician diminishing their quality of life – there is a better way!
Understanding hospice criteria is the best way to help patients understand their healthcare options near the end of life. Below are guidelines to determining a hospice prognosis.
| Primary Diagnosis | Functional Decline | Co-morbid Conditions |
| Cancer ALS / Dementia / Alzheimer’s & Related Disorders End Stage Heart Disease Liver Disease Pulmonary Disease Renal Disease Chronic Kidney Disease Stroke / Coma | Dependence on two or more activities of Daily Living Difficulty ambulating Incontinence Difficulty transferring, dressing, feeding bathing Difficulty Dressing Difficulty Feeding | Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Congestive Heart Failure Ischemic Heart Disease CVA ALS MS Parkinson’s Renal Failure Liver Disease Neoplasia HIV Refractory autoimmune disease (e.g. Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis) |
Download the Advance Care Planning Guide
When in doubt, consult with your AHPCO Member Hospice Team for an evaluation or email admin@alhospice.org