The Timing of Hospice Care

The timing and duration of hospice care varies

The average length of time a person receives hospice care can vary. Hospice care is typically provided to individuals with terminal illnesses and a life expectancy of six months or less. However, the actual length of stay in hospice care can be shorter or longer depending on various factors.

Specific circumstances play a role in the duration of care

Some individuals may enter hospice care only a few days or weeks before death, while others may receive hospice services for several months or even well over a year in some cases. The specific circumstances and progression of each person's illness play a significant role in determining the duration of hospice care.

Several factors can influence the length of time a person receives hospice care:

The nature of the illness: Different illnesses progress at different rates. Some conditions may progress rapidly, leading to a shorter stay in hospice, while others may have a slower progression, allowing for a longer duration of care.
Timeliness of referral: Early referral to hospice care enables patients and their families to receive the full range of supportive services for longer. Late referrals may result in shorter stays due to limited time to address pain and symptom management and provide emotional and spiritual support.
Individual prognosis: While the prognosis is an estimate, it can be challenging to predict the exact length of time a person has left to live. Physicians and hospice professionals make their best judgment based on available medical information, but survival variations exist.
Individual choice and circumstances: Some individuals may choose to discontinue hospice care if their condition stabilizes or improves. Others may opt for a transition to palliative care if their needs change. Additionally, unforeseen circumstances or changes in health status can influence the duration of hospice care.

Honest end-of-life dialog is crucial

Individuals and their families must have open and honest conversations with healthcare professionals about their goals, preferences, and prognosis. This dialog can help ensure timely access to appropriate hospice care when needed, providing comprehensive support and comfort during end-of-life stages. At Stillwater Hospice, we strive to start care well before we are obviously needed. Our care team specializes in transitioning patients from being stable and relatively comfortable to increasing symptoms and passing to the next phase of life. The more we can learn about the individual, understand the needs of the family and plan for the supportive care that will be needed in the next phase, the better outcome for everyone involved.