For many people, the decision to receive hospice care is made following the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness. Even so, some families still question this decision. Here are some common Hospice qualifiers to help determine when it might be time to elect the hospice benefit.
Falls
Frequent physician, ET and/or Hospital visits
Weight loss and or BMI < 22
Decline aggressive therapy or is not a candidate
Wounds
EF < 20%
NYHA Class IV symptoms at rest
Little or no response to Bronchodilators
Serum < 2.5
Dysphagia and/or aspiration pneumonia
Shortness of breath and/or o2 sat of 88% or less
Frequent injections
Edema
UTIs
Upper respiratory infections, bronchitis or pneumonia
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms and have questions about our services at AT Home Care Hospice, please contact one of our office locations near you to speak with a staff member about these Hospice qualifiers.