When to Refer
Hospice is a holistic and comprehensive program that cares for the patient while supporting the family/caregivers.
Hospice care is most effective when there is sufficient time to:
- Fully assess needs and strengths
- Develop a suitable individualized plan of care
- Develop a relationship of trust between the hospice family and the hospice team
A timely referral to hospice helps assure:
- Optimal comfort and quality of life for the patient
- Support and information for the family/caregivers
- More coordinated approach to holistic care
- Potential cost savings to patient and family
It may be time for hospice when:
- It appears that continuing curative treatments will increase suffering while not providing a positive change in the patient's condition
- There is a transition from aggressive to comfort oriented care
- A family shows signs of stress, fatigue and is overwhelmed with the responsibilities of care
- A hospital discharge results in the need for in-home services
- Increased hospital visits or trips to the emergency room result in a comfort-measures only outcome
- The patient desires a palliative (comfort care only) approach to the management of pain and other symptoms
- When there is a desire to minimize the costs of care
To discuss hospice care for one of your patients,
contact JoAnne Luciano, Intake Coordinator.
jluciano@hospiceotp.org
(304) 264-0406 or (800) 345-6538
