Know when a loved one is ready for hospice care

Deciding it's time for comfort care

A decision for hospice care is a decision to focus care on quality of life, rather than length of life. When you or a loved one decide to end curative treatment for a life-limiting illness, you may be ready to receive in-home hospice care. Our hospice team at Goshen Home Care & Hospice will work with your doctors to make sure you are eligible for hospice benefits.

10 signs a loved one may need hospice care

Frequent hospitalizations or trips to the ER
Frequent or recurring infections
Reduced desire to eat, leading to significant weight loss and changes in body composition
Rapid decline in health over past six months, even with aggressive medical treatments
Decreasing alertness, withdrawal, increased sleeping or mental confusion
Inability to perform tasks of daily living, such as eating, walking, using the bathroom, personal cleaning or getting dressed
Uncontrolled pain
Shortness of breath, even at rest
Not responding to current treatment or therapy
Wounds that do not heal

Disease-specific indications to choose hospice care

Alzheimer’s disease
No longer able to walk
No longer able to have a meaningful conversation
Incontinent

Lung disease
Disabling shortness of breath at rest
Dependent on oxygen
Frequent respiratory infections

Heart Disease
Chest pain or shortness of breath at rest

Stroke
Bed bound
Weight loss
Difficulty swallowing

Kidney disease
No longer pursing dialysis or renal transplant

Liver disease
Increased abdominal swelling
Muscle wasting
Bleeding problems

Deciding to stop hospice care

You and your family drive the plan of hospice care and have the right to choose the type of care you receive. If you decide to try a different approach, your hospice team will work with you and your family to honor your wishes.

We can help

Please call Goshen Hospice to learn more about end-of-life care. We offer support to patients and families 24 hours a day. Goshen Home Care & Hospice, (574) 364-2700.