When is it Time for Hospice
What Are the Signs That Someone May
Be Eligible for Hospice Care?
The progression a person makes toward hospice eligibility can be subtle so it is important to make sure you are familiar with the signs before crisis strikes. As soon as you can check one or more symptom below, contact Dignity & Hope Hospice and Palliative Care for an assessment.
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Increased hospitalizations over the past year
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Difficulty swallowing
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Change in comprehension disorientation or confusion
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Recent or progressive weight loss/gain
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Requires more assistance with activities of daily living
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Physician's office appointments are missed
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Increased incontinence
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Increased shortness of breath
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Decrease in communication
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Falls (3+ times in three months)
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Withdrawal from family and friends
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No longer making progress
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Increase in wounds or wounds not healing properly
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ER visits (3+ times in one year)
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Less likely to smile
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Taking 9+ daily medications
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Increased number of infections
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Decrease in appetite
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Decrease in stamina
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Increased edema