Common Questions About Hospice Care

Understanding when to utilize Hospice services and how to approach the issue is the source of many questions we receive at Hospice of the EUP. Here are some questions we commonly hear and the answers we can provide. If you have additional questions about Hospice Care or any of our services, please call our office at (906)259-0222.

1. When should I make a decision about utilizing Hospice services?

At any time during a life-limiting illness, it’s appropriate to discuss all care options, including Hospice. By law, Hospice can accept a patient with a life expectancy of six months or less. The patient does not need to be bed-bound or house-bound. Hospice staff will tailor care to each patient’s individual needs.

2. Should I wait for our physician to raise the possibility of Hospice?

No. The patient and family should feel free to discuss Hospice care at any time with their physician. In fact, some physicians that it is difficult to know when the family or patient is ready to discuss Hospice, so taking the first step signals your readiness to the physician.

3. Is Hospice care only for cancer patients?

No. In fact, Hospice care benefits patients with a variety of illnesses. Any individual with an illness that limits life expectancy to less than six months can benefit enormously from Hospice.

4. Can a Hospice patient be returned to regular medical treatment?

Certainly. If the patient’s condition improves and the disease seems to be in remission, patients can be discharged from Hospice and return to their regular medical treatment.

5. How does Hospice manage pain for my loved one?

Hospice nurses and doctors stay current on the latest medications and devices for pain and symptom relief. In addition, physical and occupation therapists can assist patients to be as mobile and self sufficient as they wish. Hospice believes that emotional and spiritual pain are real, too, and in need of attention and can provide the patient and family with the assistances of counselors or clergy.