When to Call Hospice

Many people think choosing hospice care means giving up or that death is always imminent, but that’s not true. Hospice is about quality of life, not giving up on it. In fact, many people and families say they wish they’d started hospice sooner.

Without hospice, family caregivers often find themselves managing overwhelming medical and nursing tasks that they aren’t trained to provide. Many of these caregivers feel as though they have no choice, there is no one to help, and that insurance doesn’t cover these services. Hospice of Light‘s services do not require a co-pay and are 100% paid for under a patient’s Medicare or Medicaid hospice benefit as well as most commercial insurance companies.

Below, we try to clear up misconceptions about what hospice really is and when to use hospice services.

Is hospice only for people at the very end of life?

Not at all. One of the most common misconceptions is that hospice is only for the final days or hours.

In reality, starting hospice earlier means more support and better quality of life for both the patient and their family. The goal is comfort, dignity, and meaningful time with those you love.

Hospice provides a team of professionals who visit regularly: a nurse, hospice aide, social worker, chaplain, and trained volunteers. With their help, many patients avoid unnecessary hospital visits, and families get the emotional and physical support they need.

When is it time to consider hospice care?

Hospice care is appropriate when a patient has a life expectancy of six months or less. But it can also be about recognizing a pattern of decline that shows curative treatments are no longer effective.

Here are some signs it might be time to consider hospice:

• Frequent hospital visits or worsening symptoms like pain, shortness of breath, or nausea.
• Increased sleep or noticeable behavior changes like confusion or irritability.
• Difficulty with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, or using the bathroom.
• Caregiver burnout. If family or caregivers feel overwhelmed, hospice can offer much-needed relief.

Hospice is not just for the person who is ill—it’s for their whole support system.

What conditions make someone eligible for hospice?

Hospice isn’t about a specific disease, it’s about the patient’s overall condition and needs.

A wide range of illnesses can make someone eligible for hospice, including:

• Cancer with widespread metastasis or progression despite treatment.
• Heart disease (NYHA Class IV) with symptoms like shortness of breath at rest.
• Lung disease/COPD with disabling symptoms and frequent hospital visits.
• Alzheimer’s or dementia in advanced stages with loss of mobility and speech.
• ALS, stroke, Parkinson’s, and other neurological conditions.
• Kidney or liver failure not responding to treatment.

Eligibility also includes:

• Declining ability to perform daily activities.
• Significant weight loss.
• Multiple hospitalizations or emergency visits.
• Decreased appetite or cognitive function.

Can hospice help someone feel better—or even live longer?

Yes. Studies have shown that people on hospice care sometimes live longer than those who don’t receive it.

Why? Because hospice reduces stress, manages symptoms effectively, and helps avoid repeated hospitalizations.

More importantly, it gives people time to focus on what matters: being with loved ones, finding peace, and saying the things that matter most.

What’s the difference between hospice, palliative care, and home health?

• Home health care helps patients recover from illness or injury with skilled nursing and therapy.
• Palliative care provides comfort-focused treatment for serious illness at any stage—even alongside curative treatments.
• Hospice care is for people who are no longer pursuing curative treatment, focusing entirely on quality of life.

Can hospice be provided at home?

Yes. Most hospice care happens where the patient is, whether that is in their own home, at an assisted living facility or nursing home, or their hospital room.

Does hospice mean stopping all medications?

No, hospice care doesn’t mean stopping all treatment. Patients still receive medications that relieve pain, ease breathing, and manage symptoms. The focus is on helping them feel as good as possible for as long as possible.

Can I change my mind about hospice?

Yes. Hospice is always a choice. You can leave hospice at any time to pursue curative treatment, and if your situation changes again, you can re-enroll. Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, allow this flexibility.

Hospice is not a one-way street. It’s there when you need it.

What support does hospice offer for families?

• Education and guidance on what to expect.
• Emotional and spiritual support for everyone involved.
• Respite care to give caregivers a break.
• Bereavement support after a loved one passes.
• Equipment and supplies needed to support patients including, but not limited to, incontinence and nutritional supplies.

Families don’t have to do this alone. Hospice is here to walk with you every step of the way.

How do I talk to my loved ones or doctor about hospice?

Talking about hospice can be difficult, but it can also bring great relief.

Start by asking: “What matters most right now?” If the answer is staying at home, avoiding hospital visits, and being comfortable, hospice might be the right choice.

Use simple language and allow time for reflection. Consider holding a family meeting and referring to any advance directives the patient may have made.

When you’re ready, speak with your healthcare provider. If they agree hospice is appropriate, they can make a referral to the hospice team of your choice.

Have More Questions About Hospice?

Contact Hospice of Light. We’re available 24/7 to assist you with your hospice needs and answer any questions you may have, and we provide services for residents in the following Mississippi counties: George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Perry, and Stone.

You can also reach Hospice of Light by sending us a message below: