When to Consider Hospice?

Hospice care is most beneficial when patients and their families begin receiving support early enough to experience its full range of benefits. While every journey is unique, hospice is generally considered when a patient is facing the advanced stages of a life-limiting illness, typically with a prognosis of six months or less. However, some patients may receive hospice care for even longer, depending on their circumstances.

Starting hospice care earlier—ideally two to three months before a critical decline—can provide both patients and families with more time to focus on comfort, symptom relief, and meaningful moments together. Studies show that families who experience hospice care for a longer period often feel more supported and satisfied with the quality of care.

Here are some signs that it may be time to consider hospice care:

• Frequent hospital visits or emergency room trips
• Increasing falls
• Needing more help with daily activities like eating or using the bathroom
• Significant, unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty managing pain or symptoms despite changes in medications
• Continued decline in health, even with ongoing treatments
• Severe weakness or fatigue, often confined to a bed or chair
• Shortness of breath with little exertion
• Recurrent infections, such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections

Patients with conditions such as cancer, heart disease, dementia, ALS, stroke, kidney disease, and lung diseases like COPD often benefit from hospice care. The goal is to help manage pain, ease symptoms, and provide emotional and spiritual support so that patients can live their final months with dignity, comfort, and connection to the people they love.

At Hospice of San Joaquin, we are here to walk alongside you and your family during this significant time, ensuring that your care is tailored to meet your needs with compassion and respect.

You can also use this assessment for yourself or a loved one.

Am I Eligible for Hospice?

At Hospice of San Joaquin, we understand that choosing hospice care is a deeply personal decision. Our compassionate team is here to support you and your family every step of the way, ensuring that you receive the care you need when you need it most.

Hospice care is available to anyone of any age who is facing a progressive illness—a condition that is expected to worsen over time. These illnesses may include, but are not limited to:

• Cancer
• Dementia
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lung disease
• Neurological conditions such as ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), Parkinson’s Disease, or stroke

Eligibility is generally determined by several factors. Hospice care becomes an option when the focus of treatment shifts from seeking a cure to prioritizing comfort and symptom management. Typically, hospice care is considered when a patient has a life-limiting illness and a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness follows its normal course. However, patients may continue to qualify for hospice care beyond six months if they continue to experience a decline in health.

Who pays for Hospice?

At Hospice of San Joaquin, we believe that everyone should have access to compassionate hospice care, regardless of their financial situation. We work closely with families to ensure that the cost of care is never a barrier during this important time.

For those with Medicare Part A, hospice services are typically covered in full. Medicare has long included hospice care in its benefits, ensuring that patients can receive the medical attention, pain relief, emotional support, and counseling they need without added financial stress. It’s important to note that while most care is covered, Medicare does not include room and board at our Hospice House.

If you have Medi-Cal, similar benefits apply, covering all necessary hospice services. Those with private insurance are also encouraged to reach out to their providers for specific details on coverage for hospice care. Additionally, Hospice of San Joaquin is a non-profit organization, which means we can provide care to patients who do not have insurance or the ability to pay.

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is a compassionate, home-based service designed to provide relief from the discomfort, symptoms, and stress caused by serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for patients and their families by addressing not only physical symptoms but also the emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of illness. Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments, offering an additional layer of support to help manage pain, symptoms, and side effects from medical treatments.

More questions? Please click here