How Long Can a Patient Be in Hospice?

For patients who have reached the final stages of their lives, whether due to terminal illness or upon the diagnosis of their doctor, hospice care can be a way to provide them with physical comfort, emotional wellness and symptom relief. Oftentimes, patients in hospice are suffering from terminal cancer, chronic lung disease, end-stage Alzheimer’s, life-threatening strokes and other terminal diagnoses.

What Happens if the Patient Improves or Goes Into Remission?

Although those in hospice have been told by a doctor that they are not likely to live longer than six months, their actual hospice stay may be shorter or longer than that period. It’s difficult to predict how much time someone has left. If their health improves, they may be released so that they can undergo more active therapies.

The same applies to those whose illnesses go into remission. They are discharged until their health situation is to the point where they may need hospice care again, should that time ever come. If someone’s condition improves to the point where their life expectancy changes, they will not be able to continue hospice care services under Medicare.

Hospice Care Can Go Where It’s Needed Most

Keep in mind that being “in hospice” doesn’t necessarily mean being in a hospice care center. Hospice care can be provided to patients in their own homes and it is handled this way whenever possible. Not only does this keep the patient in comfortable and familiar surroundings, but it also allows family members to come and go with ease.

If patient symptoms become severe, many hospice care centers also have in-patient hospital facilities and medical professionals on staff to help them. Hospice care can also be offered at nursing homes. In-patient facilities can provide a needed break for caregivers who need respite for personal or medical reasons without sacrificing the quality of care that their loved one receives.

The True Care Difference

At True Care, we know that delivering the best hospice care isn’t just limited to medical care. Our hospice team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and should an emergency arise, we’re there within minutes. Whether your loved one simply needs help to assist with daily living activities like feeding or bathing, or they need support around the clock, we’re here for you every step of the way.

But taking care of your loved one isn’t our only priority. We also help families who may have questions as they maneuver through the grief process. We have grief and bereavement counseling services available, as well as chaplains and other religious professionals to help put the mind at ease and soothe the soul. We aim to support every facet of need at every stage of end-of-life care

Contact us today to learn more about our dedicated hospice care services or to ask any questions you may have about end of life care at our facilities. We’ll take the time to answer your questions and provide your loved one with the very pinnacle of care, because we aim to treat your family like we treat our own families — with care, dignity and respect every step of the way.