Hospice FAQs Agawam MA

Editor’s Note: This information appears courtesy of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). It has been adapted for GilbertGuide.com.

When should a decision about entering a hospice program be made—and who should make it?

At any time during a life-limiting illness, it’s appropriate to discuss all of a patient’s care options, including hospice. By law the decision belongs to the patient. Understandably, most people are uncomfortable with the idea of stopping an all-out effort to “beat” their disease. Hospice staff members are highly sensitive to these concerns and are always available to discuss them with the patient, family and physician.

Should I wait for our physician to raise the possibility of hospice or should I raise it first?

The patient and family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other health care professionals, clergy or friends.

What if our physician doesn’t know about hospice?

Most physicians know about hospice. If your physician wants more information, it is available from the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, medical societies, state hospice organizations, local hospices, or the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Helpline at 1-800-658-8898. In addition, physicians and all others can obtain information on hospice from the American Cancer Society, the American Association of Retired Persons, and the Social Security Adm...Click here to read more from Gilbert Guide