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Debi1306 Asked April 2014

At what point do you start Hospice care?

Does Hospice have criteria to begin care? If so what is/are that criteria?

EXPERT Carol Bradley Bursack, CDSGF Apr 2014
Hi Debi,
Hospice is generally started if the person has, according to a physician, six months or less to live. Often people live longer when pain is controlled and that's wonderful. Even the best doctor can't project a certain time frame, anyway.

Some people even get better and go off of hospice. The mistake many make is to wait too long for the care that hospice can offer. So, if you care about someone who has limited time left, I'd give hospice a call.
Take care,
Carol

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