Individuals with the following diagnoses may qualify to use the beautiful benefit of hospice: end-stage dementia, end-stage Alzheimer’s disease, end-stage cardiovascular disease, end-stage congestive heart failure (CHF), end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), end-stage cerebrovascular disease (CVA), end-stage renal disease, metastatic malignancies, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), any of the above diagnoses complicated by significant comorbid conditions.
When does someone know it is time to think about hospice?
-uncontrolled or increased pain
-progressive decline despite maximal medical therapies
-increased dyspnea (difficulty breathing)
-increased dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
-progressive edema (swelling)
-uncontrolled nausea/vomiting
-oxygen dependent
-progressive weight loss
-progressive renal insufficiency
-frequent infections
-frequent hospitalizations
-bedbound
-profound weakness, fatigue
