When Can Hospice Help?

Published On 07/11/2011

Hospice care may be appropriate for patients with Alzheimer's, Congestive Heart Failure, Lung or Kidney Disease, Cancer or Stroke patients and others.

A common misconception about hospice is that it is just for people with end-stage cancer. In reality, hospice is available to patients with any life-limiting conditions that no longer respond to curative treatment. The list below serves as a guide to illnesses and situations in which hospice may be recommended. 

For patients with Alzheimer's Disease or Other Dementias, hospice may be appropriate when

  • swallowing becomes difficult
  • there is a loss of bowel and bladder control
  • patient is unable to speak, dress and feed him/herself
  • weight loss continues

For patients with Heart Disease/Congestive Heart Failure, hospice may be appropriate when

  • fatigue is severe
  • patient has shortness of breath and/or chest pain when at rest
  • there is chronic fluid build up in chest and legs
  • hospital stays happen often

For patients with Lung Disease, hospice may be appropriate when

  • there is poor control of symptoms
  • shortness of breath becomes disabling
  • there is a dependency on oxygen
  • hospital stays happen often

For patients with Cancer, hospice may be appropriate when

  • the disease spreads to other organs (metastases)
  • treatment no longer slows the disease down
  • weight loss continues

For Stroke patients, hospice may be appropriate when

  • patient is in a coma or persistent vegetative state; damage that cannot be cured
  • swallowing becomes difficult
  • there is a need for total care

For patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease, hospice may be appropriate when

  • fluid build up in abdomen and legs becomes severe
  • hospital stays happen often
  • dialysis or transplant is not desired

For patients with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), hospice may be appropriate when

  • it is difficult for patient to take care of him/herself
  • swallowing and breathing become difficult
  • muscles begin wasting away or become stiff
  • weight loss continues

For patients with AIDS, hospice may be appropriate when

  • it is difficult for patient to take care of him/herself
  • medication no longer slows the disease down
  • infections are increasing
  • weight loss and weakness continue

For patients with Multi-system Breakdown, hospice may be appropriate when

  • there is multiple organ failure, such as heart disease and chronic lung disease
  • there is a continued decline in overall health

When you and your family decide comfort and quality of life are most important, ask about the benefits of Hospice care. If you decide to change treatments at any time after entering a Hospice program, you may stop Hospice care and re-enter when your treatment is complete.

To see if hospice care is appropriate for you and your family, ask your doctor or contact Methodist Hospice at 901.516.1600 to speak to a Hospice health professional.