Who is Appropriate for Hospice Care?
Potential hospice patients may be identified by a diagnosis, symptoms, or a combination of both. The guidelines below will help determine if a patient is hospice appropriate.
Diagnoses That May Qualify
- Malignancies (all forms of cancer, leukemia)
- End Stage CHF (congestive heart failure)
- End-Stage Cardiovascular Disease
- End Stage Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia
- End Stage Neurological Disease:
- CVA (Cerebrovascular Disease)/Stroke
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease)
- Parkinson's Disease
- End Stage Renal Disease
- End Stage Liver Disease
- End Stage HIV Infection/AIDS
- Chronic Debilitating Infections
- Multisystem Failure/Inanition/Malnutrition/Failure to Thrive
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Signs and Symptoms to Look For
- May include one, or a combination of the following:
- Progressive decline despite medical therapies
- Multiple hospitalizations/frequent ER visits
- Pain that is more difficult to control
- Diminished functional status
- Decreased appetite
- Progressive weight loss
- Increasing dyspnea (trouble breathing)
- Dysphagia (trouble swallowing)
- Oxygen dependency
- Acites (fluid in abdomen)
- Uncontrolled nausea/vomiting
- Recurrent infections
- Decline in mental status
- Increased weakness, fatigue, drowsiness
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How to Make a Hospice Referral
- Call 1-800-557-9777
- Click here for more information
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