Discussing all your care options – including palliative and hospice care – is appropriate at any stage of a serious illness. These discussions will help guide you, your physicians and your family in making the best decisions about your care at the right time.

Deciding when to begin hospice is a very personal decision. It often becomes clear that it’s time to consider hospice when tests and treatments are no longer effective, or you are hospitalized repeatedly. Sometimes, your physician will be the first to mention hospice, but often, it is the family who begins the conversation. We encourage you to begin conversations now with your physicians and family members regarding your end-of-life wishes, including advance healthcare planning and the designation of a healthcare agent.

Hospice care is most beneficial when referrals are made as early as possible following a terminal diagnosis. The sooner you choose Visiting Nurse’s expert hospice programs, the sooner we can provide symptom management to help you feel better and can work with you and your family to focus on enjoying meaningful moments.